Statement: Alcohol Research UK welcomes Scottish Court of Session ’s Decision on Minimum Unit Pricing

Alcohol Research UK welcomes the Scottish Court of Session’s decision that minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol is legal.  The Court ruling confirms that MUP brings potential benefits across the population but is especially well-targeted at those drinking at the most harmful levels. MUP was approved by the Scottish Parliament in 2012, but has been delayed due to a protracted legal challenge led by the Scotch Whisky Association.  We would now call for all sides to accept the decision of the elected Government, and the judgement of the courts, by allowing the policy to be implemented. Welcoming the announcement, Dave Roberts, CEO of Alcohol Research UK, said: “This is an important decision that confirms minimum unit pricing is both legal and based on sound evidence.” Dr. James Nicholls, Director of Research and Policy Development at Alcohol Research UK said: “The Scottish Government should now be given the opportunity to test the policy in practice.  We are confident that the impact of MUP will be carefully monitored and hope that, in addition to any benefits for the Scottish population, implementation will allow other Governments to judge whether this is a tool that could help them reduce alcohol-related harm in the future.”
Source: Alcohol Research UK - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: News minimum unit pricing Source Type: news