Report set to reject alcohol plan

Aug 31 2010

The body set up by Labour to find a way of tackling Scotland's drink problem is expected to reject plans to bring in minimum pricing.

Party leaders established the Alcohol Commission last year after the Scottish Government announced controversial plans to bring in a minimum price per unit for alcohol.

It is likely the Commission's report will recommend Holyrood ministers press for a UK-wide approach to alcohol pricing that brings in a ban on selling a product at a price that is lower that its basic alcohol cost, plus duty and VAT. This would be just one part of a national strategy for action that would focus on changing the culture surrounding alcohol and its misuse.