Lyon to help put final nail in coffin of minimum alcohol pricing

4.11.17pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 23rd Oct 2009

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has today met with the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) as the fight continues against the SNP's ill-conceived and ill-defined minimum alcohol pricing policy.

Mr Lyon met with Campbell Evens, Director of Government Affairs for SWA, to discuss how together they can force the Scottish Government to abandon minimum pricing and focus on other ways to tackle Scotland's alcohol addiction.

Commenting after the meeting, Mr Lyon said:

"Yesterday we saw clear evidence that the European Court will not allow EU member states to artificially alter prices. In its ruling against an attempt by Ireland, France and Austria to impose a minimum price on tobacco, the European Court made it clear that minimum pricing was not necessary in order to protect public health.

"The SNP should accept this, move away from minimum pricing and move on to areas that will actually help to address Scotland's alcohol addiction.

"If they do so then they will not only get support from the industry, but also from across the political spectrum. If the SNP persist, then they will be guilty of putting political positioning ahead of Scotland's best interests.

"It is time that the final nail was hammered into the coffin of minimum pricing. I will continue to work with the SWA to oppose these plans that will damage one of Scotland's most iconic brands.

"The SNP must drop these plans and instead work with others towards real action against alcohol abuse."