Now Implement Minimum Pricing
Alison Johnstone MSP, health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (21 Oct) welcomed the decision of the Court of Session in Edinburgh to rule against a challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association over the policy of minimum pricing of alcohol.
The SWA has stalled the policy since MSPs approved it in 2012.
Alison said:
"Greens were the only opposition MSPs to support minimum pricing in the 2007-11 parliament and again voted for it when it was passed in 2012. The big drinks firms stalling this sensible piece of public health legislation are copying the historic behaviour of the tobacco industry.
"Health charities and doctors have expressed support for minimum pricing as part of Scotland's effort to reduce the damage that alcohol can cause. Let's hope the Scotch Whisky Association gets the message and allows the Scottish Government to get on and implement this urgent public health priority."