A Commons standard note on minimum pricing was recently published, outlining 'minimum pricing' terminology and the policy context.
The briefing includes clarification on the differences between a 'below cost ban' and minimum unit pricing (MUP) and the various policy shifts over recent years. It also covers Scotland, where the SNP are pushing ahead with their MUP plans despitelegal challenges led by the Scotch Whisky Association.
The British Government recently confirmed it would not be introducing minimum unit pricing despite its 2012 commitment. In publishing itsresponse to the alcohol strategy consultation a proposed ban on multi-buy promotions was also dropped. However previous plans for a 'below cost ban' were resurrected alongside other policies, meaning alcohol will not be sold at lower than duty+VAT to 'stop the worst cases of heavy discounting'. > > > Read More
