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15/01/2013
Minimum Alcohol Pricing Challenge Launched
A legal challenge has been launched at the Court of Sessions in Edinburgh over the introduction of minimum pricing on alcohol in Scotland.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and several European wine and spirits bodies are seeking a judicial review of the legislation, arguing that a law passed by the Scottish parliament last year on minimum pricing breaches EU trade rules.
Both the UK and Scottish governments are respondents in the court case.
The Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 was passed last May, as part of an effort to tackle alcohol misuse.
The Scottish government has said the minimum price would initially be set at 50p per unit, meaning the cheapest bottle of wine would be £4.69 and a four-pack of lager would cost at least £3.52.
The bill received royal assent on 29 June, but Scottish ministers have undertaken not to introduce the measures until after the Court of Session has made its ruling.
In November, the European Commission voiced opposition to Scotland's plans for minimum pricing, describing them as a disproportionate response to the country's drink problems.
(H/GK)
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and several European wine and spirits bodies are seeking a judicial review of the legislation, arguing that a law passed by the Scottish parliament last year on minimum pricing breaches EU trade rules.
Both the UK and Scottish governments are respondents in the court case.
The Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 was passed last May, as part of an effort to tackle alcohol misuse.
The Scottish government has said the minimum price would initially be set at 50p per unit, meaning the cheapest bottle of wine would be £4.69 and a four-pack of lager would cost at least £3.52.
The bill received royal assent on 29 June, but Scottish ministers have undertaken not to introduce the measures until after the Court of Session has made its ruling.
In November, the European Commission voiced opposition to Scotland's plans for minimum pricing, describing them as a disproportionate response to the country's drink problems.
(H/GK)
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11 November 2010
Scottish Reject Minimum Pricing On Alcohol
The British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland have today expressed deep disappointment over the Parliament’s rejection of minimum pricing during the final debate on the Scottish Alcohol Bill.
Scottish Reject Minimum Pricing On Alcohol
The British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland have today expressed deep disappointment over the Parliament’s rejection of minimum pricing during the final debate on the Scottish Alcohol Bill.
14 May 2012
Scotland Set Minimum Alcohol Price Of 50p Per Unit
A new minimum price for alcohol has been introduced in Scotland. Ministers have set the new minimum at 50p per unit, a move that will push a bottle of wine to £4.69 and four cans of basic lager to at least £3.52. It marks the first time minimum pricing has been tried in the European Union.
Scotland Set Minimum Alcohol Price Of 50p Per Unit
A new minimum price for alcohol has been introduced in Scotland. Ministers have set the new minimum at 50p per unit, a move that will push a bottle of wine to £4.69 and four cans of basic lager to at least £3.52. It marks the first time minimum pricing has been tried in the European Union.
02 June 2010
Minimum Alcohol Prices 'Inevitable'
The charity, Alcohol Concern has welcomed guidance released today by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on preventing alcohol harms, in particular recommendations in support of minimum pricing and availability.
Minimum Alcohol Prices 'Inevitable'
The charity, Alcohol Concern has welcomed guidance released today by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on preventing alcohol harms, in particular recommendations in support of minimum pricing and availability.
27 May 2010
MSP's Split On Minimum Alcohol Pricing
The Scottish Government's Health Committee has asked the Executive to specify a minimum price for alcohol per unit. The Stage 1 report which has been scrutinising the Holyrood Alcohol Bill noted the scale of the country's alcohol abuse problem but MSPs have disagreed on whether the key measure of minimum pricing would be beneficial.
MSP's Split On Minimum Alcohol Pricing
The Scottish Government's Health Committee has asked the Executive to specify a minimum price for alcohol per unit. The Stage 1 report which has been scrutinising the Holyrood Alcohol Bill noted the scale of the country's alcohol abuse problem but MSPs have disagreed on whether the key measure of minimum pricing would be beneficial.
02 March 2009
Plans To Tackle Alcohol Abuse Announced In Scotland
Plans to ban two-for-one alcohol promotions and cheap supermarket booze have been outlined by the Scottish government today, to help tackle alcohol misuse.
Plans To Tackle Alcohol Abuse Announced In Scotland
Plans to ban two-for-one alcohol promotions and cheap supermarket booze have been outlined by the Scottish government today, to help tackle alcohol misuse.
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