SNP claims EU accepts minimum alcohol price

Published on Tuesday 8 September 2009 22:26

THE European Commission has made it "perfectly plain" that plans to introduce a minimum price for alcohol are within EU laws, the SNP has said.

The Scottish Government proposes bringing in a minimum price per unit for alcohol as part of its plans to curb the country's drink culture.

That has led to claims from some members of the drinks industry that such a move could contravene European legislation. However, the government said the commission's answer to a parliamentary question made it clear a minimum price could be introduced.

Labour MEP Catherine Stihler had asked the commission to "comment on whether or not minimum alcohol retail prices violate EC law".

The response to that stated that legislation "does not prohibit member states from setting minimum retail prices for alcoholic beverages".

Ian Hudghton, an SNP MEP, welcomed the answer and said: "The SNP and the Scottish Government have always been clear that minimum pricing on alcohol is both legal and necessary. This answer makes clear that the proposal for minimum pricing on alcohol is well within EU law and kills off opposition and industry suggestions to the contrary."

However, Labour disputed the SNP's interpretation of the situation. Ms Stihler said: "The key section in the answer to my question from the European Commission is that minimum pricing must apply to the whole member state, not just a nation within it.

"In Scotland we are in Europe as part of the UK, which gives us great clout. So the SNP's blithe interpretation just doesn't stack up."

She added: "This is lazy government from the SNP."