Members of Scotland’s Parliament have rejected minimum pricing for alcoholic drinks in their third and final vote on the policy.

The vote, held today (10 November), is a blow to the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) and will be welcomed by the majority of the drinks industry. Parliament rejected minimum pricing by 76 votes to 49 in the third and final reading of the SNP’s Alcohol Bill.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

However, other parts of the Alcohol Bill are expected to be backed by Parliament, which was still in session on the issue at the time of writing. Other measures in the Bill include a “social responsibility levy” on drinks retailers and outlets, as well as a ban on bulk drinks offers, such as three-for-two promotions.

The CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) today congratulated the Parliament for “looking carefully at the evidence” on minimum pricing. “Now that minimum pricing has been rejected, we call on all parties to come together to build consensus around alternative, more effective, legal tax-based measures to address alcohol misuse,” he said.

Scotland has the power to set its own alcohol policy, independently of the policy set by the UK Government in London.

Stay informed for just £1! *

Get access to unbiased and data-driven news with a subscription to Just Drinks.

What’s included in your subscription:

  • Unlimited access to Just Drinks content including daily global news, in-depth analysis, and interviews with C-suite executives
  • Unbeatable coverage of categories from beer, wine and spirits to soft drinks and hot
    beverages
  • Unrivalled drinks industry comment from Dean Best, Jessica Broadbent and leading sector specialists

Have a Subscribtion Sign in

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Get help with subscribing or signing in

*30-day digital subscription for £1. Available to new subscribers only