Trade organisation accepts defeat

The Scotch Whisky Association said yesterday that it would “accept” the rejection of its legal challenge against minimum unit pricing.

Karen Betts, the organisation’s chief executive, said it now hoped to work with Holyrood and Westminster.

“We accept the Supreme Court’s ruling on minimum unit pricing of alcohol in Scotland,” she said.

“Looking ahead, the Scotch whisky industry will continue to work in partnership with the government and the voluntary sector to promote responsible drinking and to tackle alcohol-related harm.”

Meanwhile, drinks company C&C, which produces Tennent’s Lager and Magners Cider, welcomed 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, the chief executive of brewers Greene King, urged the UK Government to consider following Scotland’s lead, saying there were “clear” health benefits.

“This policy will restrict the availability of cheap, high strength, alcohol which has been causing the most damage to communities across Scotland, without impacting moderate drinkers who can continue to enjoy a drink responsibly,” he stated.

Karen Betts said SWA accepted court’s ruling