Pernod Ricard boss slams minimum price proposals

The boss of Pernod Ricard UK has joined the chorus of disapproval over the prospect of a minimum price for a unit of alcohol.

Speaking after the French-owned drinks giant revealed turnover for the last year down two per cent at €7bn (£5.8bn), Jean-Manuel Spriet, Pernod Ricard UK's chief executive, said he was "completely opposed" to the introduction of a minimum price for alcohol.

"You won't solve the issue of harmful drinking by raising the price. It needs to be done through education," he added.

Spriet said he supported a ban on below-cost selling and supported the health aims of industry bodies such as Drinkaware and the Portman Group. "But I am clearly not in favour of a minimum price."

Spriet's comments came as the Scottish government said it would look to press ahead with its plans to introduce a 45p per unit minimum price.

Pernod Ricard retails a number of wine and spirit brands in the UK including Glenlivet whisky, Absolut vodka, Beefeater gin and Jacob's Creek wines.