Alcohol Commission delivers minimum price blow
An influential report could scupper plans for minimum pricing in Scotland by dismissing it as a way of tackling irresponsible drinking.
A report published today by the Alcohol Commission, set up by the Scottish Labour Party, instead calls for a ban on sales of alcohol below the cost of production, duty and VAT - similar to plans by the UK's coalition government.
The report flies in the face of the ruling Scottish National Party, which is keen to introduce a minimum price as part of measures to tackle alcohol misuse north of the border.
SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon said the report, which also calls for a levy on pubs and other alcohol retailers to pay for alcohol- related services, passes the buck to Westminster.
She said: "Labour's Alcohol Commission makes some constructive suggestions for debate but it ducks the central issue of tackling the cost of alcohol sold at pocket money prices in Scotland.
"Why leave it to a UK coalition government - which at best has shown a lukewarm response to tackling the issue of cost - when we could take better, more effective steps ourselves."
The British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland also said it was "disappointed" that the report had ruled out minimum pricing and suggested the decision was motivated by party politics.
Dr Brian Keighley, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said: "I am concerned that the panel, as with Labour politicians, has entered this entire process with a determined view to oppose minimum pricing, no matter what - and it is our society and health that will pay the price."
Moves to introduce a minimum price appeared to be gaining momentum last week with the Northern Ireland Assembly indicating support for the measure. Prime Minister David Cameron has also given support to similar local schemes in the UK.
However the issue divides many in the trade and while scores of licensees and various trade groups have backed The Publican's Make it the Minimum campaign for a 50p price per unit of alcohol other groups have raised concerns.
Drinks industry chiefs across the UK have welcomed the report's dismissal of minimum pricing.
Patrick Browne, of Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said the organisation had an "ambivalent" view on minimum pricing but added he was keen to see a UK-wide position on the issue to avoid border-hopping.
"Having a UK-wide position seems like a step-forward rather than trying to have a unique Scottish position."
And Gavin Partington, of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, said: "The commission rightly recognises that there is no silver bullet to tackle alcohol misuse and that the proposal to introduce a minimum price for alcohol is flawed."
In the report it is noted that Scotland has the eighth highest average alcohol consumption in the world and that the cost of alcohol to the public purse is £3.5bn every year.
Professor Sally Brown, who chaired the Alcohol Commission, said: "We are agreed that increasing the price of alcohol should be part of a broader package to reduce levels of abuse.
"Our view is that taxation should be the main lever for raising because the additional revenue raised goes to the public purse."
Labour Scotland's shadow health secretary Jackie Baillie said the report indicated that it was time for the SNP to stop "obsessing" about minimum pricing.
Alcohol Commission Report
On top of the below cost measure the following are included in the Alcohol Commission Report
• The Scottish Parliament should show leadership by not serving alcohol at functions
• A mandatory Challenge 25 scheme to stop underage drinking
• Banning alcohol producers sponsoring sporting events
• A levy on pubs and other alcohol retailers to pay for emergency services
