Labour denies minimum price reports
The Scottish Labour Party has dismissed reports that it backs the idea of minimum pricing.
SNP is hoping to pass plans for a minimum price of 40p a unit in off-trade
The Sunday Herald reported Labour had pledged its support to the proposal to be tabled by the ruling Scottish National Party in the Alcohol Bill — giving a majority despite opposition from the Conservatives.
Promotions in pubs and clubs would be phased out through other proposals.
“We are open to it, as long as it tackles the problem drinks, because that’s what the public expect,” one Labour source told the Herald.
But a Labour spokesman told the Morning Advertiser that the story is “purely speculation” and “wishful thinking” on behalf of the SNP.
“No decision has been made. We want to see serious measures to tackle binge drinking in Scotland but we’ve not yet made a decision about whether we will support the SNP’s policy.
“That’s partly because the proposal has not been spelt out in detail. When it is, we will look at it.”
He said a major proposal such as minimum pricing should be pushed through stand-alone legislation rather than as part of a wider bill.
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