Victory for minimum booze price scheme

DRINKERS were warned yesterday that the Government will reconsider introducing a minimum price for alcohol after a Scottish scheme was backed by the Supreme Court.

From next year, alcohol in Scotland will cost at least 50p a unit. This means a 500ml can of beer can be sold for no less than £1.50 and a bottle of whisky £14.

Implementation of the scheme will be used as a blueprint for a similar one canvassed by David Cameron in 2012, but kept on hold during the Scottish government’s five-year legal battle. It is believed that raising the alcohol price could save thousands of lives a year.

A Government spokesman said yesterday: ‘Minimum unit pricing will remain under review and a range of measures to control excessive alcohol consumption through taxation will also continue to be considered.’