Distiller backs bid for minimum drink pricing

Published on Saturday 30 January 2010 19:09

CUT-price promotions on alcohol are damaging the drinks industry, according to the bosses of a small whisky distillery.

Edradour distillery in Perthshire is one of the latest drinks manufacturers to back controversial Scottish Government plans for minimum pricing.

Last week, drinks giant Tennent's announced that the plans could be "part of the solution" to Scotland's 3.56 billion problem with alcohol.

Yesterday it was revealed that Edradour, Scotland's smallest independent whisky distillery, brewers Harviestoun and the Society of Independent Brewers Scotland, which represents 30 independent breweries, were also in favour.

The Scottish Government wants to introduce minimum pricing in its Alcohol Bill, currently going through parliament. A figure of 40p per unit of alcohol was used to illustrate what is possible. With Labour, the Tories and Liberal Democrats all against the plans, the minority SNP Government lacks the necessary support to get the Bill through the Scottish Parliament.

Edradour owner Andrew Symington said: "We do not engage in irresponsible promotions and believe the industry is damaging itself when it does. On occasions you can buy bottles of alcohol in supermarkets for less than bottled water, and in some cases alcohol is sold for less than the actual cost of duty and VAT. It does not make any sense or do the industry any good at all.

"We welcome the Scottish Government's initiative in trying to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol and hope that the Scottish Parliament passes sensible legislation on this soon. As Scotland's smallest distiller, Edradour is proud to join with Scotland's largest brewer, Tennent's, and with the Scottish Government and the medical community in support for minimum pricing."

Harviestoun Brewery owners Sandy Orr and Donald MacDonald said most medical opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of minimum pricing for alcohol:

"We hope that the Scottish Parliament can now move forward and introduce minimum pricing through good, workable, considered legislation," the firm said.