PUBLIC health leaders in Glasgow have welcomed a court ruling which has paved the way for a minimum price on alcohol to be introduced in Scotland.

Dr Linda de Caestecker said the verdict would allow government leaders to implement “one of the most effective policies” to tackle alcohol abuse – a major cause of early death.

MSPs passed legislation at Holyrood in 2012 to bring in minimum pricing, which would initially be set at 50p per unit.

But implementation of the policy stalled after the SWA and other European wine and spirits producers took legal action, arguing minimum pricing would breach European law.

The Court of Session in Edinburgh rejected an appeal against the plans, which had been brought by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and others, saying the grounds on which it was submitted “were not well founded”.

The judges agreed with a previous Court of Session ruling that the alternative of increased tax would be less effective than minimum pricing.

Alcohol Focus Scotland said it was a, “great day for Scotland’s health” while the British Medical Association called on the drinks industry to accept the ruling saying there had been a “human cost” to a delay in implementing the policy.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, director of  public health for NHSGGC said: “Overuse of alcohol is a major cause of ill-health and early death in the population of Greater Glasgow and Clyde. 

“Minimum alcohol pricing will allow Scotland to implement one of the most effective policies to address this public health challenge.  

“I agree with the BMA’s statement about the human cost of the delay in implementing this policy due to the actions of the alcohol industry and I greatly welcome today’s verdict.”

Dr Peter Bennie, Chair of BMA Scotland said:  “The alcohol industry needs to accept today’s judgement and stop attempting to put their own agenda ahead of the public interest.”

Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said:”Scotland has been waiting more than four years to implement this policy which will prevent thousands of hospital admissions and crimes, and save hundreds of lives.”

SWA chief executive David Frost said the organisation will now consult with its members before deciding on any further action, which could see the case taken to the UK Supreme Court.

Holyrood’s Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said the democratic will of the Scottish Parliament and the ruling of the Court of Session should now be respected.