EU ruling means that minimum pricing for alcohol might not be introduced in Ireland

This could come as a big blow to Leo Varadkar’s plans for alcohol pricing in Ireland.

Plans to introduce a minimum price for alcohol in Ireland were dealt a blow today after the European Court of Justice ruled that plans to do likewise in Scotland would be in breach of EU law. The ruling comes shortly after Leo Varadkar announced details of his plans to introduce minimum alcohol pricing in Ireland, which would have consumers paying a minimum of €2 for a 500ml can of beer or a minimum of approximately €8.60 for a bottle of wine. According to The Guardian, judges in Luxembourg ruled that the policy is in breach of EU free trade laws and could only be justified on health grounds under EU law if it was more proportionate and effective than using general taxation. In Scotland, plans to introduce minimum pricing, which date back to 2012, have been opposed by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), who have been backed by nine EU member states and two major European producers’ associations – the spirits producers’ confederation and the winemakers association. It is felt that by introducing minimum pricing that all consumers are penalised and that there are restrictions put in place on free competition. Following today’s ruling in Luxembourg, the introduction of minimum alcohol pricing, which was due to take effect from the middle of next year, could be deemed illegal in Ireland.