– Strong cider price could jump 220%
– Mainstream supermarket and discounter prices will also see hikes
PLANS to implement Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol in Scotland have been given the green light by the Scottish courts.
The Court of Session in Edinburgh has upheld its original rule following an appeal from the Scotch Whisky Association, which had argued the measure would breach European law.
Minimum Unit Pricing was first passed by MSPs in May 2012 and would set a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol sold.
That would mean that the minimum price that a retailer will be allowed to charge for a three-litre bottle of 7.5% ABV cider will be £11.25, at present the price is often under £4. A 70cl bottle of whisky will have to be priced at a minimum of £14 and a one-litre bottle will have a minimum price of £20. Currently brands such as Bell’s, Famous Grouse, Whyte & Mackay, and Teachers are selling in some supermarkets for £17 or £18 a litre and as low as £15 a litre on special offer. Four 500ml cans of 4% ABV lager will have a minimum price of £4 and a bottle of 13.5% ABV wine will have to be priced at £5.07 or more. Fortified wine and tonic wine of 15% ABV will be at least £5.63 a bottle.
Minimum pricing has seen a legal battle between the Scottish Government and the Scotch Whisky Association.
The SWA first took its case to the Court of Session before the issue went to the European Court of Justice, which ruled in December to refer back to the national court.
Delivering the verdict, Lord Carloway said the Scottish court had directed itself correctly on European Union law.
The Scottish Government has now called on the SWA and others in the drinks industry to “respect the democratic will of the Scottish Parliament” and the “judgement of the highest court in Scotland”.
However, further legal battles may follow.
David Frost, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “We will study the details of the judgement and consult our members before deciding on next steps, including any possible appeal to the UK Supreme Court.”
