THE SNP Scottish government is dragging its feet on tackling the nation’s alcohol public health emergency, experts have warned.

Scotland’s minimum unit price for alcohol has risen from 50p to 65p today, the first increase since its 2018 introduction.

Public Health Scotland estimated the policy has saved 156 lives since its introduction.

But as alcohol-related deaths hit a 15-year high of 1,277, Alcohol Focus Scotland’s Alison Douglas called for  increases to be made annually in line with inflation, “otherwise the positive effects will once again be eroded.”

Calling for broader action, Dr Peter Rice of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems said: “We are seeing a government that is dragging its feet over plans to restrict marketing of alcohol products in the face of intense opposition from the industry and its allies, with no alternative plans being put in place.”