Minimum alcohol pricing: Scots plan 'bad for drinks industry'

Drinks industry bodies have warned the proposed introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol will have negative effects for the industry and drinkers.

Gavin Hewitt, of the Scotch Whisky Association, cautioned: "We introduce a distortion of trade here in the UK, albeit for public health reasons and that is the Scottish government's justification, watch what will happen in all our markets.

"They will start using public health as away to keep us out of those markets."

Paul Skehan, of Spirits Europe, also spoke to Scotland correspondent James Cook. Mr Skehan said: "We just don't think it's proven at all."

The Scottish government has announced plans to introduce a minimum price for alcohol in Scotland of 50p per unit of alcohol.

In May, the Court of Session ruled the Scottish government is within its powers to introduce a minimum price for alcohol. The legal challenge had been brought by the Scotch Whisky Association.