Supermarket chain Morrisons and drinks giant Diageo have slammed the Scottish National Party’s (SNP’s) proposal announced today for a minimum price per unit of alcohol of 45p.
Richard Taylor, director of corporate affairs at Morrisons said: “Following the Scottish Government’s announcement today proposing 45p as the minimum price per unit of alcohol in Scotland, Morrisons does not support a minimum unit price which would only serve to punish our customers in Scotland – the vast majority of whom drink responsibly.
“We would like to reiterate our view presented in a letter to the Home Secretary in June this year. As stated in our letter, instead of a minimum unit price we believe that the UK Government should legislate to stop the sale of alcohol below the rate of duty plus VAT.
“This mechanism, if enshrined in law, would provide an immediate and fair approach to stem the misuse of alcohol and provide a solution across the whole of the UK, including Scotland.
“If the Government thinks price is a way to affect demand it can do so by raising duty, knowing that it will apply across the UK. As a demonstration of our commitment to this proposal, Morrisons does not sell alcohol below the cost of duty plus VAT.”
A Diageo spokesperson said: “Minimum pricing is wrong in principle. It is not the answer to tackling problems with alcohol misuse. By its very nature, it will impact all consumers, the majority of whom enjoy alcohol responsibly without harm to themselves or others.
“The debate in Scotland has moved on. It is time for the Scottish Government to recognise that and engage in broader discussions. Our view remains that targeted interventions would be much more effective and appropriate.”
