EU winemakers challenge minimum pricing in UK court

European winemakers have joined forces with Scotch Whisky distillers to try to de-rail plans to introduce minimum alcohol pricing in Scotland.

Europe’s winemaker trade body, CEEV, and the Scotch Whisky Association have appealed against Scotland’s minimum pricing plan at the UK Supreme Court.

Their move follows a ruling by Scotland’s highest court in favour of setting a floor price per alcoholic unit on wines, beers and spirits.

Current proposals would mean a £5 minimum price on a 13.5% abv bottle of wine.

It’s a controversial policy that so far does not have the backing of the UK government in London. Scotland has devolved powers to create its own laws in several areas.

‘CEEV has decided to appeal to the UK Supreme Court, together with other parties,’ the trade body said, without naming others involved.

‘We have good hopes that the UK Supreme Court will confirm that [minimum pricing] is disproportionate and restricts trade,’ said Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, secretary general of CEEV.

However, Brexit may complicate matters; depending on how the future relationship between the UK and EU, both legally and economically.