Sturgeon calls for drink debate

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon claims there is growing support for minimum pricing of alcohol despite the official opposition of the other parties.

After announcing the Scottish Government's decision to propose a 45p per unit price level, she said the move would put small corner shops on a level playing field with big supermarkets which offer drinks at massive discounts.

She said a 45p minimum price could cut alcohol-related deaths by 50 within a year.

She said: "Even at this late hour, I appeal to the opposition parties to work with me.

"There is growing support for minimum pricing within the Scottish Parliament and outside. There are many MSPs in all parties who support minimum pricing. The positions of the opposition parties is not allowing the argument to be debated in an open way."