MSPs expected to block SNP alcohol pricing

Published on Tuesday 21 September 2010 16:43

PLANS to set a minimum alcohol unit price of 45p are expected to be blocked by opposition MSPs today.

Stage two of the Scottish Government's alcohol bill, which includes the SNP's flagship minimum pricing policy, is set to come before Holyrood's health committee.

But Labour, Tory and Lib Dem members of the committee are not expected to vote for the plans at today's meeting.

Mary Scanlon, the Tory health spokeswoman, who is a member of the health committee, called on the government to scrap the plans. She said: "There is simply no political support for the SNP's blanket minimum pricing.

"These plans would penalise responsible drinkers, harm the Scotch whisky industry, cost jobs and is probably illegal.

"Some problem drinks will be unaffected, and others such as many whiskies will rocket in price, proving that the SNP policy of indiscriminate minimum pricing is a blunt instrument."

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has said she would back a "sunset clause" - which would allow a test of minimum prices to see if the measure reduces excessive drinking.

SNP MSP and former GP Dr Ian McKee said there were "no grounds for rejecting the plans."