Minimum price in Scotland is 'non-negotiable'

A minimum price on alcohol in Scotland is seen as "non-negotiable" by the ruling Scottish National Party, according to a senior Scottish Government official.

Alison Douglas, head of the alcohol policy team at the Scottish Government, also committed to introducing an extra levy — a "social responsibility fee" — for operators. But she said plans had been "widened" to include the off-trade.

Douglas said the aim is to include minimum pricing and the fee in a new Alcohol Bill by the end of the year.

She told the Westminister Health Forum debate today: "We should see an effect [of minimum pricing] within a year, like with the smoking ban. It will be bringing people on the verge of liver cirrhosis back from the brink."

She wouldn't be drawn on a what a unit level should be but said the University of Sheffield will be commissioned to produce a fresh inquiry. "That will help inform [us] but ultimately it's a decision for ministers to put forward proposals and for [the Scottish] Parliament to accept it."

She said it was a "live debate" at the Scottish Parliament, with the Scottish Liberal Democrats "unsure" while the Scottish Labour Party has "not come out".

On the social responsibility fee, Douglas said: "The subject is of very active discussion with the industry, initially around the night-time economy. The discussion has been widened out a bit. Pubs and clubs open until 3am are not the only contributors to the problem. If someone is front loading before they come to a club, how can they held responsible and charged a fee as a result?

"There will be enabling powers in the Bill coming later this year but details of how it would apply will be subject to active discussions with the industry."