A seminar to discuss and explore Scotland’s innovative Alcohol Policies, including an update on the battle to implement Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP).
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Side event of the EPHA 5th Annual Conference, 4-5 September 2014 “Tectonic tensions – wealthy Europe`s fear of commitment”
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In 2012 the Scottish Government passed legislation to introduce a Minimum Unit Price (MUP) to tackle the problems caused by cheap alcohol. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and other European wine and spirits producers took action against the proposal claiming that it breaches the UK’s European Union (EU) treaty obligations. Minimum Unit Price is supported by many parts of the alcohol industry who agree that the price of alcohol should be regulated.
Now we are approaching the next stage of this story which has become a battle between the interests of the health groups organising this event against the interests of global producers. The European Court of Justice has been asked for an opinion on the measure and Member States and other parties will be asked to submit their views over the next few months.
This event is an opportunity to hear why Scotland introduced this measure, the opinions of health and trade experts who support the measure and to contribute your view. Scotland is one of the first countries to introduce the groundbreaking measure, which has stimulated much debate and the discussion will be lively.
