GLASGOW and Scotland has a complicated relationship with alcohol which provides benefits, brings problems and poses challenges.
The importance of the whisky industry to the economy is clear, providing jobs and worth millions in exports and duty for the government.
But the alcohol related health issues are an enormous challenge, which led to the Scottish Government proposing minimum unit pricing to reduce consumption among the most harmful drinkers.
A cut in tax would probably lead to more sales and give the economy a boost and the jobs benefit would be welcomed.
At the same time, however, making spirits cheaper could negate any health benefits that minimum pricing could bring, if and when it is introduced.
Whisky is not among the targeted drinks in the government's pricing plan but it hasn't stopped the industry mounting a legal challenge, as they obviously feel it will be damaging.
There is a careful balance to be struck between the economic needs of an important industry and the efforts of the government to bring about behavioural change.
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