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Brewer backs alcohol price plan Brewer backs alcohol price plan
(10 minutes later)
The head of one of Scotland's biggest alcohol brands has backed controversial moves for minimum pricing for alcohol.The head of one of Scotland's biggest alcohol brands has backed controversial moves for minimum pricing for alcohol.
Mike Lees, the managing director of Tennent's Caledonian, said the policy could be "part of the solution" for dealing with alcohol misuse.Mike Lees, the managing director of Tennent's Caledonian, said the policy could be "part of the solution" for dealing with alcohol misuse.
The Scottish government has proposed increasing the minimum price of alcohol to tackle drink-fuelled social problems.The Scottish government has proposed increasing the minimum price of alcohol to tackle drink-fuelled social problems.
It has said alcohol abuse costs the Scottish economy £3.56bn a year.It has said alcohol abuse costs the Scottish economy £3.56bn a year.
Mr Lees said his firm welcomed "sensible moves" to ensure alcohol is "enjoyed appropriately".Mr Lees said his firm welcomed "sensible moves" to ensure alcohol is "enjoyed appropriately".
There is an issue with a small group of consumers who purchase cheap alcohol in bulk, drink excessively at home and then go out into pubs and clubs and get into difficulties Mike LeesTennent'sThere is an issue with a small group of consumers who purchase cheap alcohol in bulk, drink excessively at home and then go out into pubs and clubs and get into difficulties Mike LeesTennent's
He added: "In particular, there is an issue with a small group of consumers who purchase cheap alcohol in bulk, drink excessively at home and then go out into pubs and clubs and get into difficulties.He added: "In particular, there is an issue with a small group of consumers who purchase cheap alcohol in bulk, drink excessively at home and then go out into pubs and clubs and get into difficulties.
"We believe that, if implemented appropriately, minimum pricing could be part of the solution by increasing the price of alcohol, particularly of high strength products and is one way of addressing the alcohol abuse issues that we face in Scotland."We believe that, if implemented appropriately, minimum pricing could be part of the solution by increasing the price of alcohol, particularly of high strength products and is one way of addressing the alcohol abuse issues that we face in Scotland.
"Consequently, Tennent's supports the proposals to introduce minimum pricing so long as the measures proposed are fair, proportionate and part of an overall programme to reduce the abuse of alcohol.""Consequently, Tennent's supports the proposals to introduce minimum pricing so long as the measures proposed are fair, proportionate and part of an overall programme to reduce the abuse of alcohol."
His words were welcomed by Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, who said there was a broad consensus of support for the government's Alcohol Bill.His words were welcomed by Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, who said there was a broad consensus of support for the government's Alcohol Bill.
Opposed by LabourOpposed by Labour
She said: "Tennent's backing for minimum pricing shows that responsible producers have nothing to fear from the proposal.She said: "Tennent's backing for minimum pricing shows that responsible producers have nothing to fear from the proposal.
"That's because they understand that minimum pricing will not raise the price of all drinks - only the dirt-cheap supermarket white ciders, lagers and low-grade spirits sought out by problem drinkers."That's because they understand that minimum pricing will not raise the price of all drinks - only the dirt-cheap supermarket white ciders, lagers and low-grade spirits sought out by problem drinkers.
"Currently there is nothing to stop supermarkets selling alcohol for less than bottled water and that's why it's possible to exceed the weekly consumption guidelines for men for less than £3.50.""Currently there is nothing to stop supermarkets selling alcohol for less than bottled water and that's why it's possible to exceed the weekly consumption guidelines for men for less than £3.50."
The Scottish government has suggested introducing a minimum 40p per unit for alcohol sold in Scotland. The Scottish government wants to introduce a minimum price per unit of alcohol sold in Scotland.
If implemented, the policy would see a four-pack of Tennent's Super lager go up in price by more than £1. If the suggested figure of 40p per unit was agreed, it would see a four-pack of Tennent's Super lager go up in price by more than £1.
However, the proposals are opposed by Labour and other opposition parties at Holyrood who have described them as ill thought out and possibly illegal under European law.However, the proposals are opposed by Labour and other opposition parties at Holyrood who have described them as ill thought out and possibly illegal under European law.