Time to toast a healthier nation?

The path has been cleared for Scotland to become the first country to introduce a minimum price-per-unit for alcohol. The Supreme Court’s decision to reject an appeal against the Scottish Government’s plan has been welcomed by medical campaigners and health groups.

It is thought higher prices will reduce the prevalence of high-content, low-cost beverages and stop the kind of cutprice deals blamed for a seemingly unquenchable thirst for booze binges.

Despite a five-year distillation period, it has not yet passed into law because of a lengthy challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association.

That group, which must now absorb hefty costs as a result, has accepted the unanimous verdict of judges but rather than criticise it for holding up the process, its part in ensuring a rigorous and painstaking analysis of the issues should be welcomed.

However, in the time it has taken to pass through the courts, many individuals will have suffered as a result of alcohol abuse.

If the Scottish Government is right in its research, it now becomes a matter of priority to enshrine minimum pricing in law to prevent further harm being caused.

Critics remain dubious that the new rules will have any effect.

To mangle a metaphor, the proof will be in the drinking.