Stop political pint scoring

MSP accuses Tories of blocking plans to boost health by raising minimum price

- CHRIS MCCALL

THE SNP has called on all opposition parties to support its plan to hike the minimum unit price (MUP) of alcohol in Scotland.

Shona Robison, the Deputy First Minister, last week announced the government's intention to raise the unit price from 50p to 65p from September.

If MSPs vote in favour, a 12-pack of 500ml Tennent's Lager will rise from a minimum of £12 to £15.60 and a 70cl bottle of Famous Grouse will go up to £18.20 from a £14 minimum.

The policy is broadly supported by health experts and charities supporting those harmed by alcohol.

But critics claim MUP does little to help Scots already battling alcoholism and want funding boosted for addiction treatment services instead.