Sturgeon explains Scottish alcohol pricing plan

The Scottish government says it wants to set a minimum price for alcohol of 50p per unit in a bid to tackle health problems caused by excessive drinking.

The figure, 5p higher than the one which had been proposed in the previous parliament, comes as a 40p price is planned for England and Wales.

Critics say the policy targets only the poorest drinkers, and does not address the root causes of alcohol misuse.

But Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon says the policy will help to reduce alcohol-related crimes and deaths as well as lowering hospital admissions.