Who profits from pricing policy?

Sir, – Canada, states of the USA, and Russia have minimum prices for alcohol based upon tax, which goes to support public services.

Scotland is the first country to introduce a minimum price which is based upon alcohol volume (per unit) with no statistics or figures to show any direct effects or benefits.

So why has the Scottish Government interfered with price fixing within a free capitalist market?

Primarily because of an opinion. Whose it is based on is unknown, but the thought of government policy and law being based merely upon outside opinion is frightening.

The principal benefits of the minimum price will go to off-licence owners, supermarkets and shareholders, so one can only assume this windfall will in some way go to compensate for increases to business and income tax.

Not to mention compensation for the incompetent way that public services such as health, education, economy, transport, justice, police are being administered.

A final thought – Scots will be obliged by law to subsidise overseas capitalist shareholders. Who would have thought? Alan Bell. Roods, Kirriemuir.

Prisoners still have the right to a roof over their heads, to food, clothing and communication with their families ... why do they also need a right to vote?