The minimum price per unit of alcohol will increase by 15 pence
from today.
MSPs previously voted to continue the public health measure which
had been scheduled to end automatically on 30 April as part of a
‘sunset clause' when Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) legislation was
introduced in 2018.
They also voted to introduce a price increase, with a rise to 65p
per unit chosen as the Scottish Government seeks to increase the
positive effects of the policy and to take account of inflation.
Health Secretary said:
“Research commended by internationally-renowned public health
experts estimated that our world-leading policy has saved
hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of
alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to
reducing health inequalities.
“Experts wrote to The Lancet,
describing Public Health Scotland's evaluation of minimum unit
pricing as ‘high-quality' and ‘comprehensive', and expressing
confidence that there are several hundred people with low income
in Scotland who are alive today as a result of this policy.
“However, the Scottish Government is determined to do all it can
to reduce alcohol-related harm and as part of that, I am working
to ensure people with problematic alcohol use receive the same
quality of care and support as those dealing with problematic
drugs use. We have also made a record £112 million available to
Alcohol and Drug Partnerships to deliver or commission treatment
and support services locally, as well as investing £100 million
in residential rehabilitation.
“I have also asked that Public Health Scotland is commissioned to
review evidence and options for reducing exposure to alcohol
marketing.”
Background
The Scottish Parliament voted to approve Orders increasing the
minimum unit price and continue the effect of minimum unit
pricing in April 2024. As part of an in-built ‘sunset clause',
agreed by MSPs when MUP legislation was first passed in 2018, the
policy had been due to end on 30 April.
The increase will take effect from midnight on 30 September 2024.
The Scottish Government has worked closely with retail partners
to publish a guide and ensure that retailers have all the
information they need.
Research conducted by Public
Health Scotland and the University of Glasgow estimated
that MUP had reduced alcohol-attributable deaths by 13.4% – 156 a
year – and was likely to have reduced hospital admissions wholly
attributable to alcohol by 4.1% up to the end of 2020 compared to
what would have happened if MUP had not been in place.
PHS evaluation found
there was no clear evidence of substantial negative impacts on
the alcoholic drinks industry.
Public health experts wrote an open letter to The
Lancet last August commending Public Health
Scotland's evaluation of minimum unit pricing commenting that it
was “high quality” and “comprehensive” and that “Policymakers can
be confident that there are several hundred people with low
income in Scotland who would have died as a result of alcohol,
who are alive today as a result of minimum unit pricing”.
The Scottish Government continues to progress work on reducing
exposure to alcohol marketing. Once the PHS review of evidence on
alcohol marketing is concluded the Scottish Government will
consider any areas where evidence supports further consultation.
