CAMPAIGN group Balance has renewed calls for the UK Government to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol after Scottish judges ruled in favour of such a move.

The Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled against a challenge by the Scotch whisky industry, who claimed the plans were a breach of European law.

However, the judgement could still be appealed by the drinks industry at the UK Supreme Court in London.

Earlier this month in a report Balance – the North-East alcohol office – uncovered a number of examples of super strength alcohol being on sale in the region at what it said was “pocket money prices”.

Its director Colin Shevills said: “[The] ruling in favour of a minimum unit price by the Scottish courts is a victory for democracy and for some of the most vulnerable people in society.

“We hope to see the swift introduction of the policy, which will help to reduce the devastating harms of cheap alcohol.

“Now is the time for action, putting people’s health and wellbeing above the commercial interests of the alcohol industry.

“We applaud the Scottish Government for showing such dedication to a policy which will make a real difference to people’s lives.

“We now hope the UK Government will follow suit and bring in a minimum unit price in England and Wales.”

The move to set a minimum unit price of 50p in Scotland would mean the cheapest 70cl bottle of whisky would be £14 and a four 500ml pack of four per cent lager costing at least £4.