SNP alcohol 'breakthrough' as brewer backs minimum pricing

Published on Monday 27 July 2009 21:53

THE SNP last night claimed support for minimum alcohol pricing was growing "week by week" after one of the world's biggest brewers backed a plan similar to one proposed for Scotland.

Molson Coors, which makes Carling – Britain's biggest lager brand – has broken ranks with the industry by backing the minimum pricing scheme introduced in Canada.

The SNP will announce details of minimum pricing when it unveils a package of measures to crack down on alcohol misuse later this year.

It is thought that ministers favour a 40p or 50p per unit minimum, which they say would stop shops from selling loss-leading cheap drink, while leaving more expensive brands untouched.

The plan is backed by the British Medical Association and the UK's four chief medical officers.

Molson Coors, which also sells Grolsch, Coors, Caffreys and Sol, has recommended the Canadian model to MPs on the Commons health select committee.

A spokesman for health minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Week by week, there is growing support for the principle of minimum pricing of alcohol, and growing evidence of its need, and we welcome the comments from Molson Coors."