First minister Alex Salmond has confirmed that the Scottish Government will move forward with plans to introduce minimum prices for alcohol as part of a programme of new legislation for 2009-10.

New alcohol legislation is among 13 bills to be introduced as part of the 'Towards a More Successful Scotland' programme, which was set out by Salmond in a statement to the Scottish parliament on 3 September. It is hoped that the new Alcohol Bill, which will also include further bans on drinks promotions and a potential increase in the purchase age to 21 years old, will help to combat "widespread" alcohol misuse costing the country at least £2.25bn a year.

Salmond said: "Enough is enough. We will introduce a Bill to Tackle Alcohol Misuse. This Bill will introduce innovative measures to reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm. "Our proposals will be based on best practice and international evidence such as that from the World Health Organisation and that is why the cornerstone of our approach will be to introduce a minimum pricing policy for alcohol."

Other new legislation set to be pursued by the Scottish Government in 2009-10 includes an amendment to the Historic Environment Scotland Bill, which aims to improve the management of the country's historic sites, and the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill to step up the conservation of wildlife and plant species.