Today the UK Supreme Court delivered the final verdict on Scotland's long running legal challenge to introducing Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP). The Scottish Government first passed legislaton in 2012 but a number of industry bodies spearheaded by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) forced a series of challenges under EU which some public health figures have described as 'delaying tactics'.
The legal challenge rested on the argument that MUP contravened EU competition law, arguing instead that taxation would be a more appropriate means of achieving its aims. However the Supreme Court disagreed stating health objectives and the free market were "two incomparable values" and declaring MUP a "proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim". The court also rejected the appeal's claim that the Scottish Government should have committed to going further in assessing market impact as unreasonable, acknowledging its commitments to evaluating the impacts and the five year sunset clause.
Public health groups and academics involved in MUP took to Twitter to express relief and comment on the judgement and next steps. The SWA have issued a brief statement on the decision whilst a Spectator article by veteran 'anti-nanny state' commentator Christopher Snowden says MUP 'won't end alcoholism'. However James Nicholls suggested this was a 'straw man' argument and has written a response to the ruling outlining MUPs aims and key considerations. The news has also been covered by the BBC, Telegraph, The Scotsman and Guardian, with further coverage and comment likely throughout the week.
Absolutely delighted that minimum pricing has been upheld by the Supreme Court. This has been a long road - and no doubt the policy will continue to have its critics - but it is a bold and necessary move to improve public health.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 15, 2017
Where next?
The Scottish Government will no doubt hope to see MUP come into effect as soon as possible; indeed the likely impact (see latest Sheffield modelling here) of the 50 pence per unit floor price will be significantly lower than had it been introduced in 2012, though its level can be addressed as part of the legislation. Wales and Ireland will also be welcoming the ruling having taken their own legislative steps to introduce MUP.
As for England, further pressure will no doubt be placed on the Westminster Government who, after David Cameron's infamous 2012 u-turn, have committed only to monitoring Scotland's proceedings. Watch this space.
MUP is a more effective means of reducing socioeconomic inequalities in health than taxation pic.twitter.com/NFtBkxcQTx
— Colin Angus (@VictimOfMaths) October 21, 2016
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