Cut-price alcohol gets its last orders

Decision to allow minimum unit pricing hailed by health campaigners but slammed as ‘clobbering’ the poor

The decision to allow minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol in Scotland has been bailed a “massive victory” for health and democracy.

Doctors and other health campaigners had supported the Scottish Government in its bid to bring in the controversial policy.

And they hailed the decision by Supreme Court justices to reject an appeal brought by the Scotch Whisky Association as being “Scotland’s biggest public health breakthrough since the ban on smoking in public places”, which came into force in 2006.

However, the Institute of Economic Affairs thinktank branded the decision “disappointing”, claiming minimum pricing is a policy which “clobbers the poor and exempts the rich”.

MSPs passed the legislation in 2012, with the implementation of the policy put on hold as a result of the legal action.

After the ruling, Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: “Today’s decision is a massive victory for Scotland’s health and for our democracy.

“Minimum unit pricing will save the lives of hundreds of Scots and improve the lives of thousands more.

“Despite Parliament passing this legislation unopposed five years ago, the Scotch Whisky Association has consistently obstructed it, putting its members’ profits over the health of the people of Scotland.

“Minimum pricing is Scotland’s biggest public health breakthrough since the ban on smoking in public places.

“The Scottish Government is to be applauded for determinedly seeing it through in the face of global spirits producers’ attempts to deter action and delay implementation.”

Drinks company C&C, which produces Tennent’s Lager and Magners Cider, hailed the “landmark decision”.

Paul Bartlett, group corporate relations director, added: “It is the right move to make, a progressive step forward in tackling the problems of alcohol misuse in Scotland and we congratulate the Scottish Government on its perseverance.”

Rooney Anand, chief executive of brewers Greene King, urged the UK Government to consider following Scotland’s lead, saying there were “clear” health benefits.

Speaking for the Church of Scotland, the Rev Dr Richard Frazer, convener of the Kirk’s church and society council, said: “We see all too often the devastating impact excessive use of alcohol can have on the lives of individuals and their loved ones.

“The introduction of minimum unit pricing will help to tackle this, saving lives and improving life for countless others. We hope it will be enshrined in law as quickly as possible.”

The Royal College of Psychiatrists also gave its backing, with chairman of the Faculty of Addictions Psychiatry in Scotland Dr Ahmed Khan stating: “Scotland is the highest consumer of alcohol in the United Kingdom and, subsequently, has the highest mortality rates, including a fivefold rise in liver disease in the last decade, especially among women.”

He said Scotland has more outlets selling alcohol than it has GP practices and added: “The Scottish Government have been the progressive drug worldwide.”

The Scottish Licensed trade Association, which represents pubs and clubs, also welcomed the policy, with chief executive Paul Waterson stating: “Cheap priced alcohol has turned Scotland into a nation of stay-at-home drinkers.”

He said almost three-quarters (72%) of all drink sold in Scotland was from offsales, with 80% of this coming from supermarkets.

However, Chris Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said while politicians and doctors would not be affected by minimum pricing, it would “clobber” poorer drinkers.

He said: “The Supreme Court’s decision today is disappointing, but we should be thankful that the legal action has delayed the implementation of this pernicious policy by five years, thereby saving Scottish drinkers hundreds of millions of pounds.

“Most of the beer, cider and spirits sold in the off-trade will become more expensive under a 50p minimum price, but doctors and politicians can relax. The Champagne at their Christmas parties will not be affected.” torch bearers of and alcohol policies

The Scotch Whisky Association has consistently obstructed it, putting its members’ profits over the health of the people of Scotland. ALISON DOUGLAS ALCOHOL FOCUS SCOTLAND

Pictures: PA/Getty. Many people feel the issue of problem drinking is down to cut-price alcohol being offered by many shops, which minimum pricing is trying to solve.

The decision is a key victory for First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.