Call For 'Quick Judgment' On Minimum Pricing

Support workers in Fife are hoping for a quick decision from Scottish judges on the cost of alcohol.

It follows a European court ruling, which suggests that minimum pricing can only be introduced in Scotland if raising taxes will not do a better job without breaking trading laws.

It is thought setting a minimum unit price will make it harder for problem drinkers to get their hands on cheap booze.

Jim Bett from Fife alcohol Support Service says that may not help everyone:

One step closer

Chair of BMA Scotland Dr Peter Bennie said: "The case for minimum unit pricing has always been based on the fact that it achieves what taxation cannot when it comes to reducing the harm caused by alcohol, so the decision of the European Court setting out the test that must be applied to the policy is a welcome one.

"Today’s ruling returns the case to the Scottish courts and puts Scotland a step closer to implementing minimum pricing. The Scottish Parliament first legislated for minimum pricing in 2012, but as 2016 approaches it has still not been implemented.

"Every year of delay carries with it a human cost in lives lost and health damaged. Last year saw an increase in both the volume of alcohol sales and the number of alcohol related deaths.

"The need to implement minimum pricing remains as pressing as ever and those who have sought to delay it in the courts have failed to act in the public interest."