This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Scots’ price plan questioned in Europe
The legality of the Scottish Government’s plan to impose a minimum price for alcohol has been questioned in the European Parliament.
Conservative MEP Struan Stevenson has written to Britain’s European Commissioner, Baroness Ashton, claiming that by forcing the drinks industry to charge a minimum price per unit of alcohol, ministers are interfering with free trade.
In his letter, Mr Stevenson says the Scottish Government plans to use powers over healthcare, devolved to the Scottish Parliament, to force retailers to apply a minimum price.
He asks: “Can legislatures within a devolved or autonomous region of a member state apply rules which effectively interfere with the operation of a free market?”
Should Baroness Ashton agree with the claim, ministers may be forced into a U-turn over the proposals which they claim are essential to Scotland’s battle against binge drinking.
The Scottish Law Society and key players in the drinks sector, including the Scotch Whisky Association, believe imposing minimum price laws would break EC competition rules.
The Scottish Government says it has taken its own legal advice and is confident that minimum pricing is not in conflict with EC legislation.
Scottish Conservatives will debate the SNP alcohol strategy at Holyrood this Thursday, 26 March.
Alan Lodge 24.03.2009