SNP’s blanket minimum pricing plans scrapped – they must stay that way

Scottish Conservative calls to scrap the SNP's plans for indiscriminate blanket minimum pricing were backed by the opposition parties at Health Committee this morning.

We need to now focus on finding solutions to Scotland's drink problem, although Nicola Sturgeon has said the SNP Government will bring minimum pricing back to the table at Stage 3 of the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill.

Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health spokesperson and a member of the Committee, whose amendment was backed by the opposition parties, said:

"Today is a step forward in the debate about how to tackle Scotland's drink problem. It is proof there is simply no political support for the SNP's blanket minimum pricing. These plans would penalise responsible drinkers, harm the Scotch whisky industry, cost jobs and is probably illegal.

"I am delighted the other opposition parties supported my amendment to delete minimum pricing from the Alcohol Bill, although Nicola Sturgeon's promise to bring the issue back at Stage 3 is contrary to the stance the SNP have taken over their failed referendum and local income tax plans. It is quite simply stubbornness, when what we need are open minds.

"As the Scottish Conservatives have consistently said, alongside banning below cost price sales, the most effective method is to target problem drinks with extra tax and duty on a UK wide basis. This avoids responsible drinkers being penalised, would be more effective at reducing consumption, stop any notion of ‘booze cruises' to Carlisle or Berwick and mean that any extra revenue goes to the taxpayer.

"Common sense, economics, and public opinion have now all called time on the SNP's plans. It is time for them to join the growing consensus that there is a better way to tackle an issue which has blighted Scotland for too long."

Mary Scanlon's amendment number 1 to the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill at Committee Stage calls for Section 1 of the Bill to be left out, thus removing all mention of minimum pricing from the Bill.

It was passed by 5 votes to 3 in Committee.

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