News

SWA granted leave to appeal minimum pricing

The Scotch Whisky Association have today been granted leave to appeal minimum pricing to the UK Supreme Court.

Alison Douglas, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said:

"It is so frustrating that the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) will not accept that this is the end of the road for their misguided and damaging legal action.

"In the four and a half years since the Scottish Parliament voted overwhelmingly to pass minimum unit pricing, at least 4,500 Scots have died of alcohol-related diseases. We know that the heaviest drinkers buy the cheapest, strongest alcohol and that’s why minimum pricing is such an effective policy; it targets the drinks and drinkers causing the most harm with minimal impact on moderate drinkers.

"It’s time for the Scotch Whisky Association to put self-interest aside and give up this fight. Diageo, Pernod Ricard and other SWA members should not be allowed to dictate how Scotland protects and improves public health."