Europe takes issue with alcohol plan

The Scottish Government is confident it can convince Europe to override a legal objection against a minimum price on alcoholic drinks.

European Commission officials have informed ministers in Edinburgh that a draft proposal for a 50p unit price is incompatible with regulations guaranteeing the free movement of goods.

The legal opinion, based on previous rulings from the European Court of Justice, is a major blow to the flagship SNP policy, approved by the Scottish Parliament in May.

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