The minimum price per unit of alcohol sold in Scotland will increase by 30% 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 from 50p to 65p per unit chosen as the Scottish Government seeks to increase the positive effects of the policy and to take account of inflation.
Price changes under the 65p MUP:
- Scotch whisky 40%: 700ml bottle will increase from £14 to £18.20.
- Vodka/gin 37.5%: 700ml bottle will increase from £13.13 to £17.07.
- Wine 13%: 750ml bottle will increase from £4.88 to £6.34.
- Beer 5%: 4x440ml cans will increase from £4.40 to £5.72.
- Cider 4.5%: 4x440ml cans will increase from £3.96 to £5.15.
Scotland’s Health Secretary Neil Gray commented: “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.”
Public Health Scotland is currently reviewing evidence and options for reducing exposure to alcohol marketing.
NAM Implications:
- Public health experts appear to have endorsed the initiative.
- The key is the extent to which further legislation will affect alcohol marketing in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
