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Ruling expected on Scottish minimum alcohol price Scottish courts back minimum alcohol price
(35 minutes later)
A judgement is expected to be made later on whether the minimum price of alcohol can be implemented in Scotland. Plans to set a minimum price for alcohol in Scotland have been backed by the Scottish courts.
The Court of Session is expected to rule on a challenge, under European trade law, which has been pursued by the whisky industry. The Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled against a challenge by the Scotch whisky industry, who claimed the plans were a breach of European Law.
The law on minimum pricing of alcohol was passed by MSPs in 2012. The ruling now paves the way for the Scottish government to implement its policy, passed by MSPs in 2012.
At 50p per unit, it would mean a bottle of spirits would cost at least £14 and cheap, strong cider could double in price. Under the plans, a price of 50p per unit of alcohol would be set, taking a bottle of spirits to at least £14.
The Scottish government, health professionals, police, alcohol charities and some members of the drinks industry believe minimum pricing would help address Scotland's "unhealthy relationship with drink".The Scottish government, health professionals, police, alcohol charities and some members of the drinks industry believe minimum pricing would help address Scotland's "unhealthy relationship with drink".
Challenge possible But the Scotch Whisky Association and wine makers brought a challenge claiming it was a breach of trade law.
But the Scotch Whisky Association and wine makers brought a challenge under European law. After one ruling by the Court of Session, the issue was referred to the European Court of Justice, which ruled last December that European law may have been breached, but it was up to national courts to make the decision.
After one ruling by the Court of Session and a referral to the European Court of Justice, the question now is whether the infringement of trade law is justified by the benefits to public health, and if there is another way those benefits could be achieved.
Why does Scotland still not have minimum pricing?Why does Scotland still not have minimum pricing?
The judgement could be challenged by either side in the UK Supreme Court.The judgement could be challenged by either side in the UK Supreme Court.
But if it is not, and the Scottish government wins, the introduction of minimum pricing is at least six months away.But if it is not, and the Scottish government wins, the introduction of minimum pricing is at least six months away.
Under the plans, the cheapest bottle of wine (9.4 units of alcohol) would be £4.69, a four-pack of 500ml cans of 4% lager would cost at least £4 and a 70cl bottle of whisky could not be sold for less than £14.Under the plans, the cheapest bottle of wine (9.4 units of alcohol) would be £4.69, a four-pack of 500ml cans of 4% lager would cost at least £4 and a 70cl bottle of whisky could not be sold for less than £14.
The SWA has argued minimum pricing would discriminate against poorer drinkers, and was beyond the power of the Scottish government.The SWA has argued minimum pricing would discriminate against poorer drinkers, and was beyond the power of the Scottish government.
The government's chief medical officer recommends the maximum weekly intake of alcohol is 14 units for both men and women.The government's chief medical officer recommends the maximum weekly intake of alcohol is 14 units for both men and women.