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Scotland's alcohol price hike plans 'not illegal' - The Herald
Claims that a minimum price for drink in Scotland could be illegal were today rejected by the chief medical officer.
Dr Harry Burns said it was "entirely appropriate" that ministers forge ahead with plans for the measure to tackle alcohol abuse.
It comes on the day that his opposite number south of the border, Sir Liam Donaldson, unveiled similar proposals for a minimum price in England.
The drinks industry has voiced concerns that a minimum price could breach competition laws.
But Dr Burns told BBC Scotland's Politics Show today: "Issues like this are put to lawyers and ministers have decided that it is legal and want to proceed.
"I think that is a very important stake in the ground."
The move is aimed at curbing the sale of cheap, high-strength lagers and ciders in supermarkets.
Dr Burns drew a parallel with smoking when he was a surgeon treating the effects of over-consumption of tobacco years ago in Glasgow.
"People would say about cigarettes if it was that bad for you the Government would do something about it.
"The Government has decided to do something about this and I think that's a very important issue and it's entirely appropriate that it tackles price."
But Campbell Evans of the Scotch Whisky Association hit out at the plans.
"Minimum pricing isn't the way forward," he told the programme.
"First of all, it looks as though it would probably be illegal no matter whether it was introduced in Scotland or in England."
But Dr Evelyn Gillan of the Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems said it had commissioned legal advice which indicated it would be possible under UK and EU competition and trade law to introduce the price curb.
"This would be a measure that would not only save lives in Scotland but would not be contrary to trade law," she said.