The Supreme Court justices unanimously dismissed an appeal from the SWA today (15 November) to prevent the introduction of a 50p minimum alcohol unit price.

“We accept the Supreme Court’s ruling on minimum unit pricing (MUP) of alcohol in Scotland,” said Betts. “Looking ahead, the Scotch Whisky industry will continue to work in partnership with the government and the voluntary sector to promote responsible drinking and to tackle alcohol-related harm.”

The decision made by the Supreme Court concludes a five year legal battle between the Scottish government and leading members of the scotch whisky category, and makes Scotland the first country in the world to introduce an MUP.

Betts added: “We will now look to the Scottish and UK Governments to support the industry against the negative effects of trade barriers being raised in overseas markets that discriminate against Scotch Whisky as a consequence of minimum pricing, and to argue for fair competition on our behalf. 

“This is vital in order that the jobs and investment the industry provides in Scotland are not damaged. At home, we hope to see an objective assessment of the impact of MUP.”