Oh dear. There we were debating whether the EU would have something to say about the Scottish
SERIOUS concerns have been raised in Whitehall over the legality of plans by the Scottish Government to introduce a minimum price for alcohol.
The Scotsman has learned UK ministers have been briefed that the proposal announced by the SNP on Monday breaks European competition laws.
And with at least two major trade organisations preparing legal challenges to minimum pricing, there is concern that the Scottish Government's actions might see UK government ministers dragged through the courts.
A pleasant thought, but anyway ...
Scottish ministers argue they would be using existing laws and devolved government statutory instruments to impose minimum prices as a mandatory condition for a licence. And they still plan to have the proposal in place in time for Christmas.
But a senior Whitehall source told The Scotsman: "Basically we have been told minimum pricing is completely illegal.
"We are worried this will mean we will be taken to court as the responsible authority.
"The Scottish Government's proposal appears to be ill-thought-out and we don't even think it will work, because what is needed is a cultural change in Scotland and that is not going to be effected by making booze more expensive."
Hang on a cotton-picking minute. This quote has made-up by some bored hack at the Scotsman. There is no fucking way any Labour adviser would have the common sense to work that out.
