Doctors’ leaders criticised Labour’s opposition to minimum pricing, a stance which appears to have scuppered the Scottish Government’s attempt to see this become law.

However, the drinks industry has said minimum pricing is not the answer to Scotland’s alcohol problem and that it will disadvantage “innocent” consumers and businesses.

Dr Brian Keighley, chairman of the British Medical Association in Scotland, said Scotland’s alcohol consumption rates were “staggering” and that doctors witnessed the harmful effects of alcohol everyday.

“We believe that the measures outlined in this Bill offer a way out of this national epidemic.”

Dr Keighley said he was “confounded” by Labour’s decision not to back minimum pricing.

“Almost half of all deaths could be prevented by lower alcohol consumption. It is now our national duty to ensure that we do all we can to do what we can to tackle this epidemic,” he added.

His comments come after Scots Labour leader Iain Gray said his MSPs would oppose minimum pricing.

He said Labour had previously had an open mind on the plans but its impact on the drinks industry was not clear.

The proposed minimum price, he said, would add to supermarket profits without a penny going to the Government to reinvest in treatment for people with alcohol problems.

He also criticised the Government for refusing to say what level the minimum pricing would be fixed at, although ministers have given strong indications it would be around 40p per unit of alcohol.

Mr Gray said: “We would be asked to support proposals with no idea whether they were going to work or what impact they would have.

“We have come to the conclusion that what they are proposing is not workable and we cannot support it.”

Jack Law, of Alcohol Focus Scotland, hit out at Labour, stating: “Establishing a minimum price for alcohol is the most important element of the range of proposals the Government is proposing in the Alcohol Bill.

“Its rejection by Labour is a major blow which could set back our attempts to make a positive change to Scotland’s drinking culture.”

Professor Sir Neil Douglas, of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said drink caused an “appalling” number of deaths and called on politicians to “recognise that the time has come for action and not more words”.

He said: “Further delay may only result in the preventable loss of Scots’ lives.

“The message is clear: there is an unequivocal link between price, the level of alcohol consumed and, in turn, the level of ill-health and premature death.”

And Dr Bruce Ritson, of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, said he is “deeply disappointed” by Labour’s stance.

“The damage caused to Scottish society by the widespread availability of cheap alcohol is clear to see. How much longer does Scotland have to wait before effective action is taken?”

He said his organisation will continue campaigning for a minimum alcohol price but, he added: “It would be very regrettable if something as important as Scotland’s health became a party political issue.”

Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Steve House said introducing a minimum price for alcohol would help reduce crime and violence in Scotland.

“I welcome the publication of this draft bill on minimum alcohol pricing,” he said.

“While I recognise that there may be opposition to the proposals, it is my view that pricing does have an impact on consumption.

“The past few years have seen more and more people buy their alcohol from supermarkets and off-licences. The reason for this is quite clear: it is cheaper to get it there than it is from a pub or club.

“This issue requires tough choices and strong leadership. I have no doubt that enforcement has an important role to play in tackling crime and violence.

“However, culture change will not come from enforcement alone. It may not be popular to make alcohol more expensive but it is the right thing to do.

“It is right for our young people, it is right for our communities and it is right for my officers who have to deal with the aftermath of drink-fuelled violence and crime.”

However, Jeremy Beadles, of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, welcomed the stance taken by politicians to oppose the measure.

Mr Beadles said: “Despite the fact that the Government’s own figures show overall alcohol consumption in Scotland is falling, ministers seem determined to pursue proposals which will hit innocent Scottish consumers and businesses.

“Scotland deserves better than a piece of legislation which fails to focus on the real issue.”

Ian Shearer, of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said “no simple link between price and irresponsible consumption” of booze exists.

“Irresponsible drinking is primarily a cultural issue and so making all customers pay more is the wrong approach.”