Supporters of minimum pricing for alcohol claim new research from Canada provides further evidence that it would reduce consumption in Scotland.

The Saskatchewan province introduced the policy in 2010 and a study found a 10% hike in alcohol prices reduced consumption by 8% overall.

The biggest drop was in high-strength beer sales, which were down 22%.

Alcohol Focus Scotland said the policy reduced consumption among those who are at greatest risk of harm from drinking.

The Scottish government goes to court next week to defend the introduction of a minimum alcohol price after the Scotch Whisky Association petitioned to have the policy overturned.

Meanwhile, the Canadian research has been published in the American Journal of Public Health.