Businesses will now be forced to charge a 50 pence minimum price for alcohol.
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A minimum 50 pence per unit alcohol charge will be introduced in Scotland, a full five years after the idea was first introduced in 2012. This comes after a judgement in the Supreme Court yesterday that ruled the minimum pricing would not break EU trading laws.
Dismissing the appeal made by the Scotch Whisky Association, Supreme Court Judge Lord Mance said “Minimum pricing is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.”
The Scottish Government have been trying to introduce minimum pricing in an attempt to tackle alcohol related health issues. Since 2001, Scotland has continuously recorded the highest number of deaths from alcohol compared to the rest of the UK.
The Supreme Court said that minimum pricing would protect human life and health. Lord Mance that it was not the job of the court to second guess the good intentions behind these plans.
Alcohol treatment charity ‘Addaction’ welcomed the Supreme Court judgement. CEO Mike Dixon said “Quite simply, [alcohol] is a killer. Minimum pricing will save lives.”
The West London Mission have a 130-year history of helping those affected by alcohol. In a statement for CityNews they said:
“The focus needs to be on limiting the use of cheap, strong alcohol and we hope that the minimum pricing can help this process. It will not be a solution by itself but it could be an important step to helping the UK address its problematic relationship with alcohol.”
With their appeal rejected, The Scotch Whisky Association said they accepted the ruling. The Association will now be looking for how the Government will “support the industry against the negative effects of trade barriers” raised by minimum pricing.
With Scotland leading the way, Wales have also introduced plans for minimum alcohol pricing. A new law was introduced last month but the Welsh Government are yet to decide on what the price will be.
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Standfirst
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HeadlineAlcohol Pricing: Supreme Court rules in favour
Short HeadlineScotland wins court alcohol battle
Standfirst
A minimum 50 pence per unit alcohol charge will be introduced in Scotland, a full five years after the idea was first introduced in 2012. This comes after a judgement in the Supreme Court yesterday that ruled the minimum pricing would not break EU trading laws.
Dismissing the appeal made by the Scotch Whisky Association, Supreme Court Judge Lord Mance said “Minimum pricing is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.”
The Scottish Government have been trying to introduce minimum pricing in an attempt to tackle alcohol related health issues. Since 2001, Scotland has continuously recorded the highest number of deaths from alcohol compared to the rest of the UK.
The Supreme Court said that minimum pricing would protect human life and health. Lord Mance that it was not the job of the court to second guess the good intentions behind these plans.
Alcohol treatment charity ‘Addaction’ welcomed the Supreme Court judgement. CEO Mike Dixon said “Quite simply, [alcohol] is a killer. Minimum pricing will save lives.”
The West London Mission have a 130-year history of helping those affected by alcohol. In a statement for CityNews they said:
“The focus needs to be on limiting the use of cheap, strong alcohol and we hope that the minimum pricing can help this process. It will not be a solution by itself but it could be an important step to helping the UK address its problematic relationship with alcohol.”
With their appeal rejected, The Scotch Whisky Association said they accepted the ruling. The Association will now be looking for how the Government will “support the industry against the negative effects of trade barriers” raised by minimum pricing.
With Scotland leading the way, Wales have also introduced plans for minimum alcohol pricing. A new law was introduced last month but the Welsh Government are yet to decide on what the price will be.
