MINIMUM unit pricing (MUP) of alcohol remains on hold as the drinks lobby continues its fight against the law, after a judge threw out its claim that it was illegal.

Later editions of yesterday's Evening Times reported the challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and others in the drinks industry failed to have it ruled that the Scottish Government could not introduce MUP because it breached EU trade laws.

The Scottish Government said it looked forward to implementing the policy. However, it will not press ahead until court proceedings are complete and the SWA will appeal the decision.

The plan, which would set a MUP of 50p per unit, would mean the cheapest bottle of wine at 12.5% alcohol would cost £4.69, a bottle of vodka £13.13, strong cider £7.50 for two litres and strong lager £1.98 a can.

Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the SWA , said: "We are disappointed our petition has been refused. We are surprised at the ruling in light of 30 years of European case law on MUP. We will be appealing and remain confident of our position.

"The view from Europe is very different to that expressed by the court and we are not alone in having concerns about the legality of MUP."

The ruling received the backing of alcohol campaign groups and doctors who believe it will reduce alcohol abuse and called for the drinks lobby to end the fight.

Alcohol Focus Scotland chief executive Dr Evelyn Gillan said: "The Court of Session has issued a clear, unambiguous judgment, and finds no grounds for the drinks industry's action against the Scottish Government.

"In light of this, we call on the Scotch Whisky Association to drop any further legal action.

"We know from the evidence in Canada that minimum pricing saves lives.

"With 24 people dying every week in Scotland because of alcohol abuse, there is no reason to delay this measure any further."

Sir Ian Gilmore, Royal College of Physicians special adviser and chairman of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, said: "This decision sends out a strong message to the drinks industry that the health community is not prepared to be steamrollered when the health of the public is at stake."