The Supreme Court of Great Britain has allowed Scottish Government to introduce a minimum price for alcohol. The aim is to reduce number of deaths associated with alcohol abuse. The measure was "an attached means of achieving a legitimate goal," court decided. The decision ends with a long-standing legal dispute between Scottish Government and whisky producers.

Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted that she was "delighted" about outcome of proceedings. The Scots buy much more alcohol than rest of British. Last year, number of deaths due to alcohol abuse in Scotland increased by 10 percent to 1,265. The problem is above all cheaper, strong alcohol, said Scottish health minister.

An alcohol unit is expected to cost at least 50 pence in future. A 0.7 liter bottle of whisky costs at least 14 pounds (15.60 euros), a 0.75 liter bottle of wine at least 4.69 pounds (5.20 euros). The whisky producers shared decision to accept.

"We expect number of alcohol deaths per year to fall by 120 deaths by introducing a minimum price of 50 pence per alcohol unit," said Petra Meier, head of Alcohol Research group at Sheffield University. According to scientists, this is an effective measure because it is aimed at "cheap drinks with a high alcohol content consumed by largest and most vulnerable drinkers".

Date Of Update: 16 November 2017, 12:02