TENNENT’S BACKS SNP GOVT’S MINIMUM PRICING PLAN

TENNENT’S BACKS SNP GOVT’S MINIMUM PRICING PLAN

SCOTTISH GOVT ‘COMBATING’ ALCOHOL CULTURE

SNP MSP Michael Matheson has today (Monday) welcomed the news that Tennent’s, one of Scotland’s leading alcohol brands, supports the Scottish Government’s minimum pricing plan.

Commenting, the MSP for Falkirk West, Michael Matheson said:

“This is indeed very welcome news. Tennent’s understand that responsible producers have nothing to fear with minimum pricing and that only low-end, dirt-cheap alcohol will be affected.

“Minimum pricing is drawing support from a host of companies and organisations, all wanting to change Scotland’s relationship with alcohol through sensible and proved means.

“The 3,000 deaths and 42,000 hospital stays linked to alcohol annually are causing misery across the country and cost ever taxpayer £900 a year – this is a real burden on our public services and underlines the need for change.

“Minimum pricing is a workable approach to tackling the problem and has drawn cross-party support in Westminster. Now, the opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament must stop playing politics with the nation’s health and back these proposals.”