Nicola Sturgeon: I will fight Scotch whisky industry in court over minimum pricing The Health Minister yesterday said she regretted the SWA's decision to challenge the policy, which she said won the overwhelming backing of the Scottish Parliament as well as police and health professionals. She said a sunset clause had already been inserted in the legislation to review its effectiveness after six years, adding: "Accordingly we believe that it is time to allow the policy to be implemented rather than held up in the courts. We firmly believe that minimum pricing meets the legal tests required and we will vigorously defend this legal challenge. The policy had been due for introduction in spring 2013 but could be delayed for up to a year while Europe reaches a decision. Gavin Hewitt, the SWA's chief executive, said: "It was ruled as a barrier to trade by the European Court of Justice more than 30 years and the court of justice has invariably ruled since that minimum pricing is an illegal restriction on trade. The SWA's complaint to the European Commission is supported by trade organisations representing Europe's spirits, brewing and wine producers. It is also expected to be backed by Italy and Spain who are major wine exporters to the UK. Mr Hewitt said Scottish ministers will have to prove that the move was a proportional response to the problem they were attempting to tackle and they could not achieve the same effect by increasing taxes. It said a 50p minimum price would increase the cost of 73 per cent of all alcohol products sold in the UK and 85 per cent of blended Scotch whisky.