Alcohol etc Scotland Bill - Health & Sports Committee - Debate in Parliament - 10th June to consider Stage 1 Report

16/06/2010

Majority of MSPs voted in favour of the general principles which allows the Bill to proceed to Stage 2.

Alcohol Bill Update

Following a debate in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (10th June), a majority of MSPs voted in favour of the general principles of the Alcohol (Scotland) Bill. This means that the Bill will now proceed to the next stage of legislative scrutiny.

All MSPs agreed on the need to tackle alcohol-related harm in Scotland and all acknowledged the link between alcohol price and consumption. There was broad support for a ban on price promotions and the principle of a social responsibility levy on alcohol retailers. However, opposition MSPs continued to oppose the introduction of minimum pricing. (Full details of the debate can be found on the Scottish Parliament website)

A Conservative amendment calling on the Government to remove minimum pricing from the Bill was passed by a majority of MSPs, however it has no real effect at this point. The Bill will move to Stage 2 where the legislation will be examined line-by-line and amendments considered. An amendment to remove minimum pricing from the Bill at this stage is certain to be proposed.