PUBS “aren’t part of the problem, they’re part of the solution” in tackling Scotland’s damaging relationship with booze. 

That’s the view of the Fife Licensed Trade Association (FLTA) which has blamed supermarkets selling alcohol at “scandalously low prices” for many of the problems. 

Scotland is set to be the first country in the world to set a minimum price per unit of alcohol, 50p, with the aim of raising the price of cheap, high-strength alcohol, cutting the number of drink-related deaths and reducing hospital admissions. 

FLTA secretary, Tom Johnston, said they supported minimum pricing and added: “Everyone is well aware of Scotland’s alcohol-related problems. 

“Our members promote sensible drinking. As far as we are concerned, the main problems stem from alcohol being sold as a loss leader by supermarkets at scandalously low prices.

“Alcohol is no ordinary commodity. We encourage people to enjoy a night out with family and friends in the relaxed and controlled environment of their local pub or hotel. 

“Pubs aren’t the problem, they’re part of the solution. We hope the government can give us a hand by reviewing the unfair rates system which is killing our trade.”

FLTA, an independent trade association representing licensees in the on-trade and businesses which deal with the licensed trade, said pub prices “are unlikely to be affected, as unit prices are significantly above the 50p figure”. 

The main impact of the legislation would be felt in off-sales, wine drinkers “may be affected at the lower end” and own brand spirits are set to rise, while high-strength cider prices will “almost double” in some cases. 

The new laws could come in as early as next year after the UK Supreme Court’s ruling this week. 

Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing said: “The health and wellbeing of people across Scotland is absolutely paramount – and the fact that alcohol misuse costs £3.6 billion every year shows how damaging our relationship with alcohol is.

“Given the clear and proven link between consumption and harm, minimum pricing is the most effective and efficient way to tackle the cheap, high strength alcohol that causes so much damage to so many families.

"This ruling allows us to go ahead with the policy that was overwhelmingly backed by the Scottish Parliament five years ago and take the action that is needed to cut alcohol-related deaths and reduce hospital admissions.”

Legislation was passed in 2012 but delayed by a legal challenge, with the Scotch Whisky Association arguing it was a “restriction on trade” and not the best way to tackle alcohol misuse. 

Ms Ewing said: “We will continue to support the whisky industry and work alongside them to ensure their economic success, while maintaining our commitment to promote safe and responsible alcohol consumption.

“Scotland is the first country in the world to implement such a policy – and we should be proud of our pioneering approach that will benefit this constituency and the whole of Scotland for generations.”