RANDALLS opened a new shop yesterday and canned CI Traders chairman Tom Scott in the process. The brewery – now under new ownership – opened its new off-licence, Cheers, at Grandes Rocques yesterday with some ‘Scott-free’ deals.

It includes a World Cup offer of buy one case, get one ‘Scott-free’.

But the brewery was a little coy when asked if it was seeking head-to-head competition with CI Traders, which encompasses Bucktrouts and the Guernsey Brewery.

‘We are looking to offer people the choice of where they want to shop. The local area is important but we are looking to draw people from all over the island with the Scott-free deals,’ said marketing director Ben Randall.

Managing director Ian Rogers added: ‘Our first promotion is just a great example of what islanders can expect to get from Cheers now and in the future.’

Mr Scott was unaware of the campaign which takes his name.

‘It’s a cheap snipe. I love competition – let them come on and let’s see who comes up with the cup. All our players are fit, with no broken toes,’ he said. ‘I think it’s a gimmick and as a new company they will try new gimmicks and we will have to see what happens.

‘If I was them, I would try and use a little more imagination than Scott-free.’

Cheers stocks a large range of ales and lagers. The brewery has also negotiated a contract to supply big brand-name wines and champagnes.

Mr Randall said the brewery would see how the market reacted to its first store but did not discount opening other outlets.

‘Historically we have always been wholesalers, but now we need to expand into the retail sector. We are certainly looking to compete with the other wine, beer and spirit retailers.’

A store has been planned for the last three or four years.

‘We eventually decided to go ahead with it last year and it was almost ready to go before the takeover,’ he said.