Beer bosses at Scotland's largest brewer have thrown their weight behind the Scottish Government's plans to introduce a minimum pricing scheme for alcohol
Tennent's say they believe the proposals are "part of the solution" to Scotland's £3.56billion a year drink problem.
The T In The Park sponsor's support for the scheme is a boost for the SNP government, whose plan has been criticised by opposition parties.
Labour has already stated it will not support moves to bring in minimum pricing, while the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats say it will penalise responsible drinkers and damage the Scottish drinks industry.
However, the scheme is supported by the four Chief Medical Officer of the UK, the BMA, the Royal Colleges, all 17 directors of public health in NHS Scotland, the House of Commons Health Select Committee, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.
The Scottish Government say there is an "overwhelming bulk of evidence" in favour of minimum pricing.
Mike Lees, managing director of Tennent Caledonian Breweries, said: "As Scotland's leading brewer, Tennent's recognises its duty to act responsibly and has always encouraged people to drink responsibly.
"Tennent's has a strong commitment to Scotland and welcomes sensible moves to ensure alcohol is enjoyed appropriately.
"We recognise that there is an issue of overconsumption of alcohol among a minority of consumers, and acknowledge that the Scottish Government is working to try to combat this problem.
"In particular, there is an issue with a small group of consumers who purchase cheap alcohol in bulk, drink excessively at home and then go out into pubs and clubs and get into difficulties."
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "Tennent's backing for minimum pricing shows that responsible producers have nothing to fear from the proposal.
"That's because they understand that minimum pricing will not raise the price of all drinks - only the dirt-cheap supermarket white ciders, lagers and low-grade spirits sought out by problem drinkers.
"Currently there is nothing to stop supermarkets selling alcohol for less than bottled water and that's why it's possible to exceed the weekly consumption guidelines for men for less than £3.50.
"Minimum pricing would change that and, while not the whole answer, more and more people recognise it is a step in the right direction, as part of our wider package of measures to tackle alcohol misuse in Scotland."
