Vodka impact

Published on 24/07/2012 00:00

Lesley Riddoch’s article (Perspective, 23 July) is interesting but when she says Scottish
distillers should not protest against minimum price because “whisky prices abroad would be unaffected by Scottish minimum unit prices” it is apparent she is not aware that the Scottish distilling industry also owns many vodka brands.

Minimum price will equalise the prices of many vodka brands. This will damage the quality value of brands of vodka which may have cost millions of pounds to develop, especially abroad. Price targeting of troublesome brands may have a fairer and more effective way of helping to control excessive consumption of alcohol.

In this regard, excessive consumption of cheap ciders and expensive Buckfast (now £7.99 and a long way beyond the proposed minimum price) could be been controlled.

Unfortunately, the faulty minimum price model from Sheffield University failed to specify that people do not drink alcohol; they drink brands.

Although the Scotch Whisky Association is concerned about the image and economics of the Scottish distilling industry, it has been a leader, for many years, in the responsible drinking campaign. I hope this will continue.

(Prof) Geoff Palmer

Waulkmill Drive

Penicuik