"Beer prices in UK supermarkets could double if the government proceeds with recommendations from the country's most senior doctor. Chief medical officer Professor Sir Liam Donaldson will tomorrow (Monday) argue that the state limits on the price of alcoholic drinks, meaning that none could be sold for less than 50 pence per unit of alcohol. The change would mean that most bottles of wine could not be sold for less than £4.50, while the prices of many "own brand" beers would double. A bottle of Hardy's Merlot, currently sold in some supermarkets for £4.29 would rise to £4.90, while a four pack of Boddington's Beer would rise from £2.99 to £3.40. The impact would be greatest on 'value packs' of supermarket beers, the prices of which would double." - Sunday Telegraph
"Drinks firms are mounting a legal battle against government plans to end cheap booze. The firms, thought to include Diageo and William Grant, have met lawyers to discuss challenging the moves under EU law. Brussels experts say the attempt to end binge drinking by setting a minimum price on alcohol creates a trade barrier. The Scotch Whisky Association, said: 'The European Court of Justice has consistently found such schemes to be unlawful.'" - Scottish Sunday Mail
"JD Wetherspoon's founder has launched an attack on Britain's tax system, warning hundreds more pubs will be forced into closure if the burden is not reduced. Chairman Tim Martin said the sector was struggling to cope with a rising tax burden and closures, estimated to be around 30 a week across the UK, would continue if it was not reduced. He said: 'We believe that the tax increases in recent years, combined with the exceptionally heavy costs of implementing social legislation, is a considerable burden for many pubs.' - Scotsman
"A Scottish island with barely 150 residents will become dry because of new rules on off-sales. The owner of the only shop selling booze on Raasay has decided to give up her licence - because its cost will rise from £80 to £800. Caroline Mackechnie, who runs the post office and store, said she will stop selling alcohol from September. The move follows a Scottish government decision to increase charges on off-sales." - Daily Record
"Scotch whisky's global appeal has led to an unprecedented surge in the value of its 'whisky route' as new figures reveal more than one million tourists visited distilleries last year, spending more than £25m in the process. Scotlandwhisky, the national whisky tourism organisation, will this week announce that the amount spent by tourists visiting Scotland to experience its distillery route has increased by 12% with 1.2 million visitors." - Scotland on Sunday