On alcohol pricing, Scotland has again shown the power of devolved government | Mary Dejevsky

Not for the first time, a devolved government has decided public health trumps the claims of the market. How long before national politicians follow suit?

It is a brave Scottish government that would take on the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), but that is what Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP government did. And, after a long fight through the courts, it has prevailed. The UK supreme court has now ruled that it is legal for Scotland to set a minimum price for alcohol, against fierce opposition from the SWA and other drinks organisations.

Yes, Lord Mance said for the supreme court, there would be some distortion of the market, but it was a “proportionate means” of achieving a legitimate aim. He found that the objections did not outweigh “the health benefits which are intended by minimum pricing”.

Continue reading... November 16, 2017 at 06:00PM