Fear of minimum alcohol pricing spreading to other countries led to opposition in Scotland

The alcohol industry has mounted a concerted campaign to oppose the introduction of minimum pricing in Scotland because of fears that it would set a precedent that other countries would follow.

An internal document from the Scotch Whisky Association shows its concern that international sales would be hit if action was taken against alcohol on health grounds at home.

The document is an invitation to public affairs and lobby companies to support the association in opposing the Scottish government’s proposal to introduce minimum pricing. It sought to engage a company to step up the opposition campaign in the weeks leading up to publication of the Alcohol Bill in late November. The legislation is now …