Scotland’s Government has claimed growing support for minimum pricing on alcohol, following submissions to the country’s Parliament.

Written submissions to the Parliament’s Health and Sports Committee were 107 in favour of a base price on drinks, compared to 27 against.

Scotland’s ruling National Party (SNP) has used the statistic to press its case for the policy, which has so far failed to gain the necessary support from opposition politicians.

Much of the support for minimum pricing has come from health professionals, although several brewers also favour the policy as a way of preventing deep discounting in the off-trade.

“While minimum pricing is not a magic bullet, it is a step in the right direction. Research suggests that, since two thirds of the cheapest alcohol is consumed by heavy drinkers, they will see the biggest difference and reduce their consumption the most,” said Scotland’s health secretary, Nicola Sturgeon.

Trade bodies oppose the policy as an attack on the majority of responsible drinkers. The policy is also opposed by the Office of Fair Trading and is thought likely to encounter legal challenges if passed by Parliament.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Subscribe to Just Drinks for just £1 for 1 month

Stay ahead with unbiased news, expert commentary, and in-depth features on global topics.

As a trusted provider of data and insights, Just Drinks collaborates closely with industry leaders and professionals to offer unique thought leadership and analysis. Gain a deeper understanding of the drinks industry’s trajectory and the priorities shaping the profession.

What’s included in your subscription:
  • Personalized Access: Secure login to Just Drinks
  • Industry News & Expert Commentary: Timely updates and exclusive C-level interviews.
  • Case Studies & Deep Dives: Real-world applications and in-depth analyses.
  • Exclusive Subscriber Newsletter: Weekly top features, plus a new thematic report and webinar.

Ready to stay informed?

Subscribe to unlock exclusive content.

Already a subscriber? Sign in to access your account.

Pleasecomplete this form to request more information, and a representative will be in touch shortly.

Just Drinks Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Drinks Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
De Kuyper Royal Distillers’ De Kuyper Batched 0.0% range has won both Innovation and Product Launches honours in the 2025 Just Drinks Excellence Awards. Learn how these premium, non-alcoholic RTD cocktails help operators serve consistent, bar-quality drinks while tapping fast-growing demand for sophisticated alcohol-free options.

Discover the Impact