Plan for minimum price for alcohol
A plan to set a minimum price for alcohol is due to be published by ministers in Scotland.
The Scottish Government is publishing its Alcohol Bill, which contains a range of measures aimed at reducing the rate of alcohol misuse.
If passed, the legislation gives ministers the power to set a minimum price per unit for alcohol, which has been opposed by some in the drinks industry.
The price of a unit of alcohol will not be stipulated.
SNP MSP Ian McKee said there was an "overwhelming bulk of evidence" in favour of minimum pricing and urged Labour MSPs to give all aspects of the Bill a full parliamentary hearing.
Labour leader Iain Gray said the party would not support the minimum pricing proposals however.
Dr McKee said: "When so many public health, crime, justice and alcohol industry representatives know the benefits minimum pricing will bring, it would be a disgraceful decision for any party to reject this Bill before they have heard the evidence.
"All of the UK's Chief Medical Officers, Scotland's police chiefs, the British Medical Association, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Royal College of Physicians, the Episcopal Church and members of the alcohol trade support minimum pricing.
"When the Bill is published Labour must commit to give this legislation a fair hearing in Parliament.
"To reject legislation that will save lives, families and billions of pounds without hearing any of the evidence would be utterly irresponsible."
