The Association of Convenience Stores says Scottish government proposals to set a minimum price per unit for alcohol and to raise the minimum age for off-sales alcohol purchases to 21 would simply lead to a rise in purchases from over the border.
Supermarket chain Asda has already said that it would be prepared to set up distribution centres in the North of England and sell low-cost alcohol on the internet in order to get around the new rules.
ACS vowed to fight the Scottish plans and any similar plans in England and Wales. Public affairs director Shane Brennan told Convenience Store: "Cross-border shopping would definitely take place if different pricing structures are implemented. We believe the Scottish proposals are unworkable and wrong and we'll be making that case strongly to government."