The Court of Session in Edinburgh has supported the plan to set a minimum price for alcohol in Scotland.

The court ruled against a challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association, which claimed that the Scottish Government's plan violated European law, reported the BBC.

This court ruling will enable the government to implement its policy, which was passed by members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs) in 2012.

"We continue to believe that MUP is a restriction on trade and that there are more effective ways of tackling alcohol misuse."

This ruling could, however, be appealed by the drinks industry at the Supreme Court.

As per the plan, a price of 50p per unit of alcohol would be set, which will price a bottle of spirits at around £14.

Scotch Whisky Association CEO David Frost said: "We regret the Court of Session's ruling in favour of the Scottish Government on minimum unit pricing (MUP). We continue to believe that MUP is a restriction on trade and that there are more effective ways of tackling alcohol misuse.

"However, we of course remain committed to working with all partners to address this problem so that the long-term trend of declining alcohol-related harm in Scotland continues.

"We will study the details of the judgement and consult our members before deciding on next steps, including any possible appeal to the UK Supreme Court."