Commentary on Parts Part 9 – Miscellaneous and General Section 140 – Presumption as to liquid contents of containers
286.This section establishes a presumption relating to the contents of a container. This essentially means that, for the purposes of a trial for an offence under the Act, any liquid found in a container is to be presumed to be the liquid that the label on the container suggests it is. This section replicates what was previously provided for in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 relating to such matters.
287.Under subsection (4) the presumption can be rebutted, but notice of intention to lead evidence to rebut the presumption must be given. The prosecution or defence may wish to rebut the presumption. For example, the defence may want to prove that the contents of what appears to be a bottle of alcohol was not in fact alcohol and the prosecution may want to prove that the contents of what appears to be a bottle of coca cola was in fact alcohol.