Scotland: Minimum alcohol price spat goes to EU Court of Justice

Scotland’s whiskey industry has pushed its case to prevent a government-induced minimum price on alcohol all the way to the European Court of Justice, say reports.

A court in Edinburgh has referred the case to the EU court after deciding that various complex issues, including the right of ministers to fix prices, must be decided at the EU level.

Scotland’s MSPs, the health industry and police have overwhelmingly supported the idea, though the whiskey industry and other alcohol groups strongly oppose the proposals.

The plan was also opposed by the European Commission, as well as nine other member states who say they could be negatively affected by such price minimums. Reports say the UK will be watching the Scottish case closely as it considers a price floor on alcohol as well.

The EU Court of Justice will need to weight, among other issues, whether market competition can be restrained by a government if public health is at risk.

Full content: The Guardian

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