Scots could face the highest alcohol prices in the UK as early as next April after MSPs approved legislation to crack down on problem drinkers.
Labour failed in a last-ditch attempt to thwart the SNP’s flagship policy to introduce a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol.
The vote, which was won with the support of Tories and Liberal Democrats, clears the way for the controversial measure to be implemented.
Labour had wanted to see a levy included in the legislation to claw back extra profits made by supermarkets due to the increased cost.
But health secretary Nicola Sturgeon described the call as ”nothing more than a fig leaf”.
”All the other reasons Labour have had for opposing this bill have fallen away, been demolished,” she said. ”This has become their last line of defence, but it is a rather strange last line of defence.”
She said academic research showed setting the minimum price at 50p would lead to 60 fewer deaths, 1,600 fewer hospital admissions and 3,500 fewer crimes in its first year.
After 10 years the benefits would rise to 300 fewer deaths annually, 6,500 fewer hospital admissions and overall savings worth £942 million, according to a study from Sheffield University.
According to Scottish Government figures, a 50p minimum price would take the cost of a 70cl bottle of 37.5% vodka to no less than £13.13.
Four 440ml cans of 9% lager would increase to a minimum of £7.92 and a 75cl bottle of 12.5% wine could be sold for no less than £4.69.
The minimum price, which could be subject to a legal challenge under European law, will remain for at least two years to allow the market to react and settle before the price level is reviewed.
A previous attempt by the SNP to introduce minimum pricing failed, being voted down at Holyrood when the party was in a minority administration.
However, the Lib Dems and Tories subsequently changed their position after new leaders took over following last year’s Holyrood election.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: ”Minimum pricing will have a significant impact on alcohol misuse, which has ruined the lives of so many families and communities in Scotland.”
But Labour health spokesman Dr Richard Simpson insisted supermarkets stand to gain a share of £125 million a year because of the policy a figure disputed by Ms Sturgeon.
MSPs approved the plans by 86 votes to one after Labour abstained. SNP Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Roseanna Cunningham accidentally voted against the Government.
Photo by Rui Vieira/PA Wire