Single-Use Disposable Beverage Cups Charge: Partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment

12. Competition assessment

Explain here whether your proposals will have an impact on competition ensuring you provide evidence to back up any statements you make.

• Will the measure directly or indirectly limit the number or range of suppliers?

The policy will not limit the range of goods able to be sold by suppliers in Scotland, and as such should not limit the number or range of suppliers. Potential impacts on those importing, manufacturing, and selling through wholesale or retail single-use disposable beverage cups will be included in the final BRIA.

• Will the measure limit the ability of suppliers to compete?

The policy puts a charge on single-use disposable beverage cups at the point of sale relative to all other available beverages placed on the market. Some suppliers, such as wholesalers, selling single-use disposable beverage cups to drink suppliers may find their ability to compete limited to a degree, as retailers may start to demand less stock from wholesale suppliers.

• Will the measure limit suppliers' incentives to compete vigorously?

The policy’s charge for single-use disposable beverage cups has currently unclear effects on supplier’s incentives to compete vigorously. For example, the extent to which any decline in the sales of single-use beverage cups is offset by a rise in the sales of reusable alternatives. These effects will be more fully considered in the final BRIA.

• Will the measure limit the choices and information available to consumers?

No