Scotland prepares to increase minimum alcohol price

The measures put forward by Scottish government ministers are aimed at controlling alcohol-related deaths and hospitalisations.

The move follows a Public Health Scotland report suggesting Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP), introduced in Scotland in 2018, has had a positive impact on health outcomes, including addressing alcohol-related health inequalities.

Health campaigners consulted on a proposal in September 2023 to raise the minimum unit price of alcohol to 65p. The University of Sheffield report said the original 50p price was now equivalent to 41p.

The minimum cost of a standard bottle of whisky in Scotland will now rise from £14 to £18.20, vodka to £16.90 and a four-pack of basic lager to £4.58.

Willie Rennie, the former Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and now its economy spokesperson, who has been in support of the measure, said he was glad ministers had listened.

“More than 20 people a week in Scotland die due to alcohol misuse, so we need to take steps to stop alcohol wrecking lives and communities,” he said. “That’s before you even get to the pressure that it imposes on our health and justice systems.”

However, The Wine and Spirit Trade Association argues that the minimum price rise is an ineffective or unfair way to combat alcohol abuse, especially during a cost of living crisis, and is calling for it to be scrapped.

David Richardson, its consumer affairs director, said: “Targeted measures have significantly greater impact without penalising the vast majority who do drink responsibly.”