The country became the first in the world to implement the measure, saying it wanted to curb alcohol-related deaths, media reported on Tuesday.

The plan finally came into force this week after years of court wrangling had delayed its introduction, Hina news agency said on Tuesday.

The policy sets a minimum price of €0.57 per 10 millilitres of alcohol.

The move has been hailed by health campaigners as ‘life-saving’ as the country tries to improve public health by hiking the prices of cheap, strong drinks favoured by youngsters and heavy drinkers.

“Scotland is the first country in the world brave enough to introduce a minimum (alcohol) unit pricing,” Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

She added she thought “we will see countries across Europe and further afield looking to do the same.”

Sturgeon said Ireland and Wales were considering similar measures.

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