Documentation regarding Scots heading to England to buy cheaper alcohol: FOI release

Information requested

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent/received and internally, briefings, analysis, minutes/notes from meetings, about Scots heading into England to buy cheaper alcohol, between September 1 2024 and the date of this FOI.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested (Annex A attached separately).

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption under section 38 (1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This relates to the personal information of people identified within the documents you have requested, specifically names and telephone numbers.

This exemption is not subject to the ‘public interest test’, so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

An exemption under section 30 (b)(i) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This relates to the free and frank exchange of advice between ministers and government officials.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption.

We recognise that there is some public interest in release of information because of the need for open and transparent government and the contentious nature, and interest in the policy topic concerned. However, this is outweighed by the public interest on the basis that release would inhibit Ministers’ and officials' ability to have a private space in which to consider the development of Scottish Government policy decisions.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202500451644 - Information released - Annex A

File type

PDF

File size

243.1 kB