The Scots abandon minimum pricing

The Scottish Parliament has passed a new Alcohol Bill to tackle alcohol misuse but without the plans to introduce a minimum price for alcohol of 45p per unit. 76 MSPs voted against minimum pricing while 49 voted for.

The decision will be welcomed by drinks firms and distillers but will disappoint health lobbyists. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has consistently argued that minimum pricing would be ineffective in addressing alcohol misuse and could significantly damage one of Scotland's key industries.

The new Bill will ban discount deals, such as two-for-one on bottles of wine and restrict irresponsible drinks promotions and alcohol advertising.