Scotland can set a minimum price for alcohol, according to a ruling by the UK Supreme Court. The ruling rejected a challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) in an unanimous judgement. The Scottish Parliament approved legislation for a minimum price per unit of alcohol five years ago, but court challenges have prevented its implementation. Ministers are expected to favour the 50p-per-unit-minimum outlined in this legislation. The proposals could be introduced in early 2018, making Scotland the first country in the world to introduce such a minimum price. A new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has found that more than half of all NHS trusts were unable to provide accurate information about their spending on drugs and alcohol.
Scotland can set a minimum price for alcohol, according to a ruling by the UK Supreme Court. The ruling rejected a challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) in an unanimous judgement. The Scottish Parliament approved legislation for a minimum price per unit of alcohol five years ago, but court challenges have prevented its implementation. Ministers are expected to favour the 50p-per-unit-minimum outlined in this legislation. The proposals could be introduced in early 2018, making Scotland the first country in the world to introduce such a minimum price. The SWA has accepted the ruling.