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Minimum alcohol pricing in Scotland

Scotland has become the first European nation to introduce a minimum price per unit of alcohol.

Scotland has become the first European nation to introduce a minimum price per unit of alcohol.

The Scottish Parliament passed plans to introduce a minimum price of 50p per unit, 10p above that mooted for England and Wales by coalition ministers earlier this year.

Research carried out by Sheffield University, found a 50p minimum unit price would result in a 5.5 per cent reduction in drinking, with consumption among 'harmful drinkers' falling by more than 10 per cent.

Charity Alcohol Concern, urged England and Wales to follow suit.