Cheap booze ends as minimum price starts

The price of cheap, high-strength alcohol has gone up in Scotland as longawaited legislation on minimum pricing comes into force. The law, which sets a floor price for drinks depending on how many units of alcohol they contain, was passed in 2012 but has faced legal challenges. The Scottish government said the move would cut consumption and save lives. Highstrength white cider and cheap own-brand vodka and whisky will see the biggest rise in prices. Ministers said the idea was to target booze that attracted problem drinkers. They were concerned that a two-litre bottle of strong cider (7.5 abv), which contained more than the weekly recommended limit for alcohol (14 units), could be bought for as little as £2.50. It will now cost at least £7.50. Own brand vodka, gin and whisky will also rise in price by as much as £3 a bottle, as will some cheap wines and multi-pack beers. Last week, a survey of Scotland's supermarkets found that wellknown brand names such as Smirnoff vodka, Famous Grouse whisky and Tennent's lager would also be affected by the minimum price, especially when they are on special offer. Research by alcohol-concern charities showed that almost three-quarters of Scotland's alcohol is bought from supermarkets and shops. Pubs, clubs and restaurants are unlikely to be affected by the law as they would have to be selling a pint of lager for about £1.14 or a large glass of wine for £1.50. The new law is not a tax and any extra revenue from higher prices will go to the supermarkets. Ministers have called the new law a significant step in tackling Scotland's "unhealthy relationship" with alcohol. The Scottish government claims minimum pricing will save 58 lives in its first year and reduce hospital admissions by 1,300. Health Secretary Shona Robison said the policy "targets hazardous and harmful drinkers". She added: "This policy is geared towards making sure that by increasing the price - particularly of those products that do the most harm - that we will reduce consumption." Asked about how it would be enforced, Ms Robison insisted policing of the policy would be robust. "We believe that the licensing standards officers, and the work they do anyway around licensed premises, will be able to make sure that minimum unit pricing is adhered to," she said. "I don't think anyone is going to want to put their licence at risk because obviously breaching licensing conditions can be a criminal offence and could lead to serious consequences with substantial fines and potentially imprisonment of up to six months."