Scottish Parliament backs 50p minimum alcohol unit price

The Scottish Parliament has overwhelmingly backed a 50p minimum price per unit of alcohol.

The move means that a minimum price could come into force as early as April next year. As a result, whisky will cost at least £14 a bottle, average strength wine will cost £4.69, and four cans of own brand supermarket lager will be £3.52.

The new measures are expected to get royal assent next month.

The Scottish government must now notify the European Commission about the legistlation and the legal basis for the policy, and it may be challenged by opponents in the drinks industry.

By Neil Gerrard

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