CBI Scotland has 'serious misgivings' over minimum pricing

The Confederation of British Industry in Scotland (CBI Scotland) has "serious misgivings" over minimum pricing of alcohol.

A CBI Scotland report said minimum pricing, which is being pursued by the Scottish National Party through its Alcohol Bill, could have "negative consequences" for Scottish businesses.

It continued: "We support the desire for effective action to tackle alcohol misuse, but believe several of the measures contained within the Bill will diminish the competitiveness of Scottish-based firms in the drinks and retail sectors."

"Our members are concerned that minimum pricing will not be effective at tackling problem drinking, that it has been wrongly portrayed by its advocates as a 'silver bullet', and that it will do little to build a better and wider understanding of the need for individuals to drink responsibly."

Scottish National Party MP Angus MacNeil tabled an Early Day Motion in disagreement with CBI Scotland's comments.

He said: "This House believes that the Confederation of British Industry in Scotland is wrong to dismiss proposals for minimum alcohol pricing."

A blow was struck to minimum pricing in Scotland earlier this month after opposition parties backed an amendment that would remove the measure from the Bill.