Scotland announces plans to set minimum pricing

Plans by the Scottish Government to set a minimum price for alcohol and ban alcohol promotions have been announced and would make Scotland the first country in the world to set such a pricing for alcohol. The plans are intended to tack the country's alcohol related issues but industry figures are concerned that the proposals will target the minority of Scots who drink irresponsibly and will fail to tackle a serious long-term problem. Scotland is eighth in a world league table for alcohol consumption.

The Scottish Grocer's Federation (SGF) said it could result in the closure of smaller retailers and discriminate against the off licence industry and small shops.

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish Health Secretary, said the measures were an attempt to prevent strong drink being sold for pocketmoney prices.