11.01.2011 - Vinexpo news selection
The Scottish Parliament has rejected a proposal to implement minimum pricing on beverage alcohol by 76 votes to 49. Critics of the proposal argued that minimum pricing would be illegal and ineffective in addressing misuse, while significantly damaging the Scotch whisky industry, one of the Scotland’s key industries.
A plan to increase the minimum purchase age from 18 to 21 was also voted down. Nonetheless, cut-price promotions in alcohol such “two for the price of one” will be banned in Scotland, and other measures, such as an age-verification requirement, are likely to be part on the final Alcohol Bill. (IWSR / January 2011)