Grant Strachan

Aug 8, 2024 | lexology.com | Grant Strachan |Ally Burr

Applications will shortly open for participants to take part in the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's ("MHRA") first ever regulatory sandbox – the "AI Airlock". During a webinar on Tuesday 23 July, representatives from the MHRA discussed what the aims and eligibility criteria of the sandbox are, with this initial pilot phase open to between 4 and 6 participants.

Apr 23, 2024 | lexology.com | Ally Burr |Grant Strachan

The Campaign for Real Ale ("CAMRA") has asked for an investigation by the National Trading Standards and Trading Standards Scotland into Carlsberg Marston's "Fresh Ale" products, which are served using a cask handpump, notwithstanding the fact that the relevant ale products are kegged instead of cask conditioned. Handpumps are generally associated with cask ales, which are produced from natural ingredients and not artificially carbonated in the way that keg beer is.

Dec 5, 2023 | lexology.com | Grant Strachan

Click here to watch the videoThere is a strong financial incentive for businesses to market products as environmentally-friendly. Indeed, in a recent study it was reported that 57% of all consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits to reduce their negative environmental impact. However, regulatory authorities such as the ASA and the CMA are demonstrating a heightened focus on corporate marketing practices relating to environmental credentials.

Apr 11, 2023 | lexology.com | Isobel D'Inverno |Charles Livingstone |Scott Bell |Grant Strachan

One of the key outstanding uncertainties with Scotland's deposit return scheme (DRS), of interest to both producers and retailers, has been the VAT treatment of the refundable 20p deposit that is to be added to the price of a drink at each stage of its supply chain. Why does the DRS need specific VAT rules? Under current VAT legislation, VAT is chargeable on the price paid for goods including any deposit added to the price.

Mar 13, 2023 | lexology.com | Grant Strachan |Martin Sloan

There has been a remarkable increase in the volume of Scotch whisky cask sales in recent years, attracting interest from buyers across the world. However, it's important that anyone looking to buy a cask understands the process. In this short blog, we discuss some of the core principles relevant to cask purchases and the top tips that buyers should be mindful of when purchasing casks of scotch whisky.