A DATE for Scottish judges to consider a European Court decision on the Scottish Government’s plan to implement minimum pricing on alcohol has been set.

The European Court of Justice said last month it could be in breach of EU trade rules if there is no other mechanism to achieve the same public health benefits and that it is for the domestic courts to determine.

The case prompted by the Scotch Whisky Association’s legal challenge will now be considered on June 7 and 8 this year.

Lawyers for the Scottish Government and the SWA are expected to appear and argue their cases before the judges.

The SWA challenged the policy which would impose a 50p per unit minimum price arguing it restricts trade.

Health campaigners who are in favour of the policy said they are confident it will be passed.

Eric Carlin, Director of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), said: “Today the Scotch Whisky Association continued its efforts to prevent the implementation of minimum unit pricing in Scotland. This comes the day after the SWA launched a campaign to reduce alcohol duty on spirits.

“SWA’s action suggests that they put profit above health. They are seeking to obstruct both the mechanisms that would reduce harm by increasing the price of alcohol: minimum unit price and taxation. This despite the Scottish Parliament and the courts in both Scotland and Europe accepting the clear link between price, consumption and harm.”