Plans to introduce minimum pricing in Scotland looked in jeopardy as a narrow majority of MSPs voted to remove it from the Alcohol Bill. An amendment to remove minimum pricing before stage two of the bill was called for by Labour and Tory opponents by a margin of 54 to 49, with 13 abstentions from the Lib Dems.
The Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon called on her opponents to 'rise above party politics', but opposition member Murdo Fraser said it was 'time for the SNP to put its plans on hold and sit down and work with the UK Government and opposition parties on a joint approach which will have widespread political support.'
An article in the Scotsman reported Nicola Sturgeon insisted the SNP would continue to pursue minimum pricing at stage 2. See further reports from the BBC and Telegraph. The stage 1 report was recently published, reviewing the evidence and findings from the Health and Sport Committee.
In England, the prospect of minimum pricing under the new Government also appears unlikely following comments from the Health Secretary in response to the NICE guidance. However Fuller's became the latest brewer to come out in support of minimum pricing after recent backing from Greene King and Tesco. Fuller's Chairman Michael Turner echoed concerns over the practical challenges of implementing the current Government plans to ban below cost sales. However the Coalition also promises to 'review alcohol taxation and pricing to ensure it tackles binge drinking'.
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