Alcohol is set to become more expensive in Scotland, as alcohol-related deaths reaches an alarming 22 fatalities a week in the country.
Scotland will become the first country in the world to adopt a minimum price for the drink after a legislation was passed five years ago.
After years of legal entanglements with the Scotch Whisky Association, the Scottish Supreme Court today ruled that the government can now charge a dollar per unit of alcohol, making stronger drinks more expensive.
Currently, some alcoholic drinks can be bought for as little as 34 cents a unit.
While the cost is unlikely to affect the price of a pint at the pub, spirits will rise in price from $20 to $27, and the cheapest bottle of wine will double in price to $9.
Nicole Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party, says: "The policy is by its very nature is controversial because this is an example of Scotland leading the world."
"It will continue to have its critics but it's the kind of bold and necessary policy that we need to tackle our public health challenges."
The change in minimum price for alcoholic drinks is expected to be enforced by early next year.
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