Ministers propose Scottish minimum drink price of 45p
Nicola Sturgeon says the alcohol pricing policy would help prevent 50 deaths in the first year The Scottish government has announced that it wants alcohol to be sold at a minimum of 45p per unit.
The SNP's minimum price plan, which is contained in its Alcohol Bill, is an attempt to reduce consumption.
If agreed, the change would see a two-litre bottle of Tesco brand cider go from £1.32 to £3.80, while Asda whisky would rise from £9.20 to £12.60.
Opposition parties at Holyrood intend to unite to block the policy as they say it would hit responsible drinkers.
But Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has maintained that costs would only rise for high-strength products sold at rock-bottom prices.
According to the government's figures, there would be no change in the cost of brands like Bell's, Whyte & Mackay or Johnnie Walker, which all currently retail above £14.
MSPs in the Scottish Parliament voted for the principles of the Alcohol (Scotland) Bill in June.
Full story here BBC News - Ministers propose Scottish minimum drink price of 45p
Nicola Sturgeon says the alcohol pricing policy would help prevent 50 deaths in the first year The Scottish government has announced that it wants alcohol to be sold at a minimum of 45p per unit.
The SNP's minimum price plan, which is contained in its Alcohol Bill, is an attempt to reduce consumption.
If agreed, the change would see a two-litre bottle of Tesco brand cider go from £1.32 to £3.80, while Asda whisky would rise from £9.20 to £12.60.
Opposition parties at Holyrood intend to unite to block the policy as they say it would hit responsible drinkers.
But Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has maintained that costs would only rise for high-strength products sold at rock-bottom prices.
According to the government's figures, there would be no change in the cost of brands like Bell's, Whyte & Mackay or Johnnie Walker, which all currently retail above £14.
MSPs in the Scottish Parliament voted for the principles of the Alcohol (Scotland) Bill in June.
Full story here BBC News - Ministers propose Scottish minimum drink price of 45p