Scotland confirms minimum price of alcohol

03 September 2010
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the minimum price of 45p per unit will be proposed in Alcohol (Scotland) Bill.
Some of the benefits which could arise from a minimum pricing strategy included saving money on health and treatment, as well as saving lives and preventing the 'harm and misery that come from alcohol misuse', she said.  She predicted that in the first year over 50 lives will be saved, 1,200 hospital admissions will be prevented, and £5.5m will be saved on overall healthcare costs.

She carried on to say, 'I believe it's crucial that we reintroduce realistic alcohol pricing. It cannot be right that a man can exceed his weekly recommended alcohol limit for less than £3.50. That's why we're taking decisive action, including proposals to introduce a minimum price per unit, which would bring these pocket money prices to an end. Getting the price right is vital for minimum pricing to work - too low and it will simply be ineffective. After careful consideration, we believe that 45p per unit is the right price.'

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