The Scottish government has confirmed it will recommend a 50p minimum unit price for alcohol when the legislation is introduced on 1 May.

The decision was made following a public consultation, which revealed that 74% of respondents who commented on the proposed 50p per minimum unit price supported it.

The recommended price will now be laid before the Scottish Parliament.

Health secretary Shona Robison said: “I am grateful to everyone who took the time to respond to the consultation on our proposed minimum price per unit of alcohol and I am happy to confirm that we will be moving forward with our recommendation of 50 pence.

“With alcohol on sale today in some places at just 16 pence per unit, we have to tackle the scourge of cheap, high-strength drink that causes so much damage to so many families. This move will save thousands of lives.”

In November 2017 the UK Supreme Court ruled that minimum unit pricing for alcohol could proceed in Scotland. The Scottish Whiskey Association had appealed the Alcohol Minimum Pricing Scotland Act, which was originally passed in 2012.