Minimum pricing on alcohol should not be introduced, according to the European Union’s ruling body, the European Commission.
The EC has stated that minimum pricing could restrict imports of foreign alcohol, putting international producers at a competitive disadvantage in Scotland.
The Commission would prefer a wholesale increase in all alcohol prices through raising taxes, or targeted measures in the specific Scottish regions where alcohol abuse is a problem.
The ruling specifically relates to the Scottish Government’s plan for a 50p minimum unit price on alcohol but could have an impact on the UK Government’s new minimum pricing plans.
Home Secretary Theresa May has just announced plans to introduce a minimum price of 45p per unit.