Chief Constable Stephen House of Strathclyde Police has reiterated his support for the SNP Government's minimum pricing proposals.

Speaking on the BBC's Politics Show, Chief Constable House said:

"We've got to have price control on drink. We've got to drive up the price so that it's not as cheap as it currently is in supermarkets. That will
control people's behaviour and we support that."

Commenting, SNP MSP Michael Matheson, said:

“The Scottish Government's minimum pricing proposals will save lives, cut crime and improve quality of life. Chief Constable House's officers see
first hand the damage alcohol can do to our communities. His support for the Scottish Government's proposals are very welcome.

“As the evidence stacks up and support for these measures grow, those politicians who oppose minimum pricing look increasingly irresponsible.

“The scale of Scotland's alcohol misuse problem is shocking: 42,500 alcohol-related hospital discharges; 1,500 deaths per year; soaring rates
of liver cirrhosis; the eighth highest consumption in the world, and a 2.25 billion annual cost in public services and lost productivity."