Booze sales drop after minimum pricing push
ButTory’s fear problem drinkers are replacing one strong beverage with different alcohol
NICOLA FINDLAY
Booze sales have dropped following the implementation of controversial minimum pricing (MUP) according to an NHS report.
But opposition Tory MSP, Graham Simpson, has warned the flagship Scottish Government policy is in danger of failing as problem drinkers are simply replacing one type of highstrength booze for another.
And statistics show that while in the year following the implementation of MUP in Scotland, per-adult sales of cider fell by the greatest percentage – down 18.6 per cent – fortified wine sales increased by 16.4 per cent.
MUP came into effect in Scotland on May 1, 2018 and the minimum price is currently set at 50 pence per unit of alcohol (ppu).
NHS Scotland have revealed that in the 12 months following the implementation of MUP overall the volume of pure alcohol sold in the off-trade in Scotland fell by 3.6 per cent compared to the 12 months before MUP was implemented.
It went from 7.4 to 7.1 litres per adult, a decline of – 0.3 litres per adult – compared with the previous year.
However, the report does show significant differences between types of booze.
The sale of spirits was down 3.8 per cent and wine three per cent.
Per-adult sales of beer remained relatively stable, down just 1.1 per cent. In contrast England and Wales saw a 3.2 per cent rise in the same period.
Mr Simpson said: “While it’s still early days, it does seem that the SNP’s minimum pricing scheme is running into some problems.
“The very products they hoped to take out the grasp of problem drinkers are simply being replaced by alternatives.
“That’s an extremely concerning development, as the whole point of this was to protect those very groups.
“We support minimum pricing on the basis that it could be scrapped if found not to be working.”
SNP MSP Linda Fabiani said: “We are only two years into this policy, but already the signs are there that by increasing the price of alcohol, we are seeing reduced alcohol consumption and harm.
“That is to be welcomed and I look forward to the Scottish Government’s review of the policy in May to ensure the benefits continue to be realised.”
East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow SNP MP, Dr Lisa Cameron added: “It appears positive that research is beginning to show a decrease in sale of the highest volume alcohol, particularly ciders.
“During my career in our local NHS, alcohol abuse was a significant health cost to the individuals involved, the NHS and to society.
“Scotland is leading the way on these issues.”
Dr Adam Brodie, NHS Lanarkshire clinical director for addictions, said: “NHS Lanarkshire continue to fully support the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) but it is almost certainly too early to evidence an improvement in relation to alcohol-related health problems.
“Many alcohol-related health issues are developed over many years and it’s likely that it will take time for the full health effects to be seen.
“We also recently supported the Scottish government ‘Count 14’ campaign to reduce the harm caused by raising awareness and encouraging people to consider their weekly alcohol consumption.
“We fully support both these measures to help improve and maintain the health of the people of Lanarkshire.”