Judicial review petition against Scotland DRS administrator gets green light

By Tony Corbin in Industry News 3rd January 2023

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has welcomed the news that the Judicial review petition raised by convenience retailer, Abdul Majid MBE, against Circularity Scotland Limited (CSL) – who were appointed by the Scottish Government in 2021 to administer Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) – will now proceed in the Court of Session.

Majid is challenging the legality of the retailer handling fees which CSL are seeking to impose on retailers.

SGF chief executive Dr Pete Cheema OBE said: “The Court has granted its permission for the Judicial review petition brought by Abdul Majid & Son Limited to proceed following a Court hearing on 15 December 2022.

Pete Cheema

Scottish Grocers’ Federation has been and remains fully committed to a fit for purpose deposit return scheme but for that to happen recognition must be given and action taken to address the concerns around retailer handling fee levels which has been raised in Mr Majid’s petition.”

Majid is concerned that the retailer handling fee levels will not cover his costs following the introduction of the DRS and will be detrimental to his business both in the short and long term thereby threatening the viability of his store which provides key services and groceries to his local community in Bellshill.