Scots health secretary seeks EU backing for minimum alcohol pricing

THE HEALTH Secretary is making a last-minute attempt to persuade health ministers in the European Union to back his plan for a minimum unit price for alcohol.

Several EU trade ministers have raised objections to the Scottish Government’s plan to set a 50p price per unit of alcohol on the grounds it would inhibit trade of their own products.

The European Commission’s consultation on the SNP-administration’s proposals closed yesterday and Health Secretary Alex Neil said he is asking trade ministers throughout the EU to back minimum pricing.

“It’s true that their trade ministers have lodged an objection but when you talk to their health ministers you get a different view,” he said.

“I’m communicating with the health ministers throughout the EU to persuade them to lend their voice within their governments and the EU Commission to our cause.”

The EC believes minimum pricing on alcohol is incompatible with EU regulations and should not be introduced.