, with 86 MSPs backing it and 32 abstentions. Labour MSPs abstained after their amendment, which called for the return of the estimated £103 million windfall they said the measure would bring retailers to the public purse so it could can be ploughed into tackling alcohol misuse, fell. Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon opened the debate on the bill at the first stage of its parliamentary scrutiny on 14 March 2012. Ms Sturgeon said decisive action must be taken to "stem the flow of cheap high-strength drink." The health secretary said: "It's not some sort of magic bullet that will solve all of our nation's problems with alcohol. However, it is essential if we are to make a significant contribution to reducing consumption. While the SNP majority in parliament ensures the minimum pricing proposal will be passed, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have now changed their stance and are backing the plan. Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government was "open to considering any proposal that is put forward, including those published yesterday by Labour." Dr Richard Simpson MSP, speaking for Labour, said minimum unit pricing would punish those that are less well off who drink at a moderate level and called on MSPs to back his amendment. Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said her party had decided to back the measure on the condition there was a sunset clause of five years to allow the parliament to review the effectiveness of the measure and a commitment to clarify at EU level the legality of the pricing change. She said: "So by giving the legislation the authority only cross party support can confer, and given the amendments we intend to introduce and the assurances which the Cabinet Secretary has indicated she is willing to provide, I invite other members who may as yet be unconvinced to reconsider their position on the Bill before us." The Alcohol Bill could become law before the summer, although ministers have yet to set a minimum price. The Scottish government wants to see a minimum unit price for alcohol set in a bid to tackle high rates of alcohol abuse. It has estimated that the country's alcohol problems cost £3.56bn each year - or £900 for every adult.