Drink price hike not a bad idea
The Supreme Court decision to back the Scottish Government’s legislation on Minimum Unit Pricing will soon result in higher prices for alcohol in Scotland.
This isn’t necessarily a negative thing, as we know that too many in Scotland have a problem relationship with alcohol.
First of all, let me be clear in saying that I do not oppose the principles of Minimum Unit Pricing legislation, however, I have issues with how it will be carried out.
My main concerns with the legislation, passed in 2012, is that it doesn’t offer help to those seeking to tackle their habits and it could mean a huge boost in revenue for retailers.
Having worked in a major supermarket prior to becoming a Member of the Scottish Parliament in 2011, I have witnessed firsthand the problem of alcohol abuse.
Many problem drinkers would put other items back, such as nappies, toiletries and food, before they would relinquish the alcohol in their basket. These problem drinkers are only a small part of the wider issue as anyone who ventures into our town centres on a weekend night will know.
The SNP Scottish Government has slashed funding for alcohol and drug partnerships by 24 per cent in recent years, meaning that many in need of support are missing out.
The other issue I have with the legislation is that the increase in prices could mean an increase in revenue for off-sales retailers and supermarkets. I would prefer that the Minimum Unit Pricing resulted in the extra profit being returned in the form of taxation to fund the NHS and alcohol treatment.
Minimum Unit Pricing is not a silver bullet that will tackle Scotland’s problematic relationship with alcohol.
We need a comprehensive, fully-funded strategy that tackles the culture and causes of alcohol abuse.
Labour proposed a range of actions the Scottish Government could have taken back in 2012 and, using their majority at the time, they opposed our proposals. We need more joinedup action between our public services and at the Scottish Parliament.