The minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol in Scotland has increased from 50p to 65p from today.
MSPs voted to continue with MUP earlier this year as the legislation was subject to a ‘sunset clause’ when it was introduced, as well as voting to increase it by 15p. Campaigners had long argued that inflation meant that the original 50p rate had become ineffectual.
Despite the introduction of MUP in 2018, however, the latest alcohol-related death figures for Scotland are the highest in more than 15 years, with the death rate more than four times higher in the country’s most deprived areas. Public Health Scotland’s final report on MUP estimated that it had reduced alcohol-related deaths by more than 13 per cent – based on comparisons with England – but also acknowledged that some people with alcohol dependence had been cutting back spending on food and other essentials in order to buy alcohol.
The new price means that a 70cl bottle of 40 per cent whisky will cost at least £18.20, compared to the current minimum price of £14, while a bottle of 12.5 per cent wine will increase from a minimum of £4.69 to just over £6.
‘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,’ said health secretary Neil Gray. ‘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 £112m available to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships to deliver or commission treatment and support services locally, as well as investing £100m in residential rehabilitation.’
The increase was a ‘welcome and necessary step to ensure that this life-saving policy remains effective’, said Alcohol Focus Scotland CEO Alison Douglas. ‘The Scottish Government and Parliament are to be commended for implementing this policy in the first place, and for deciding to renew the policy and increase the minimum price. They now need to ensure the price is automatically uprated by inflation going forward, otherwise the positive effects will once again be eroded over time.’