A legal challenge to the Scottish government's policy on minimum alcohol pricing has been referred to a European court by the Court of Session.
Judge Lord Eassie said the Court of Justice of the European Union should give its opinion on the proposal.
The case was brought by The Scotch Whisky Association, which argued the legislation breached European law.
Holyrood ministers have said minimum pricing was vital to address Scotland's "unhealthy relationship with drink".
The Court of Session judgement means there could be a delay of up to two years before Scottish government plans to set a 50p rate per unit of alcohol can be implemented.
The Scotch Whisky Association, whose members account for more than 90% of the industry's production, had appealed against a Court of Session ruling that the minimum alcohol pricing policy was within the powers of Scottish ministers and not incompatible with EU law.
Two major European wine and spirit organisations are also party to the SWA's appeal.
Scottish Health Secretary Alex Neil said he was "frustrated" at the challenge to a democratic decision of the Scottish Parliament but expressed determination to see it through.
Mr Neil said a final decision would be made by the Court of Session, once legal opinion was received from the Court of Justice, in Luxembourg.
Source: bbc news, 30/04/14
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