Scotland unveils plans to introduce minimum pricing

Last week, the Scottish government announced new measures to tackle alcohol related harm, including the radical step to introduce minimum pricing of alcohol (per unit). If this controversial measure goes ahead, Scotland would be the first country in Europe to take the step.

The plans were announced last week as the Scottish National Party published a series of documents as A Framework for Action. The introduction of a minimum price is aimed at targeting practices believed to be contributing to mounting alcohol-related health and social harms, such as supermarkets using alcohol as a 'loss-leader'.

The measures are being brought in based on new evidence that show controlling price is an effective way to reduce alcohol consumption and harm.

Other measures include restricting the display and marketing of drink to specific areas within off-sales premises. Scottish ministers also plan to create legal powers to introduce a "social responsibility fee" for some retailers.