Scots outspend rest of UK on alcohol... but drink at home

HOUSEHOLDS in Scotland spend more on alcohol than the rest of the UK.

Around £8.90 is spent a week on alcohol north of the Border, compared to the UK average of £7.80.

However, the figures from the Family Spending Survey show an overall decline in expenditure on booze over the period from April 2013 to March 2016.

For the first time the average weekly outlay in Scotland for alcohol, tobacco and narcotics fell below £12 per household.

At the start of the 2000s, Scottish families were typically spending nearly £20 a week on such items, according to the survey released by the Office for National Statistics.

Only households in the South East of England can match Scots’ expenditure on alcohol, with wines being that region’s drink of choice.

Scots, however, drink considerably more spirits and liqueurs than other Britons.

Scottish Tory public health spokesman Miles Briggs said: ‘Scotland has a deep-rooted and complex relationship with alcohol, and that is played out in these alarming statistics.

‘Some progress has been made in reducing alcohol intake in recent years, but significantly more needs to be done.’

Scots households spend £4.90 a week on tobacco – exactly £2 more than English families. But tobacco expenditure north of the Border was lower than Northern Ireland’s, where it is £6.60. The statistics also show Scotland is a nation of home drinkers.

Although taking the top spot for overall alcohol expenditure, Scots spend less on alcoholic drinks when away from home.

The UK average outlay on alcohol in pubs, restaurants and bars was £7.20, but in Scotland the total was only £6.40.

This shows a higher level of home drinking in Scotland in comparison to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Alison Douglas, chief executive of alcohol harm reduction charity Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: ‘These figures reinforce that Scots are now a nation of home drinkers and this is being driven by the low cost of alcohol in our shops and supermarkets.’

Research by the charity found that it is possible to exceed the weekly recommended limit of 14 units for a mere £2.50.

With 1.150 alcohol-related death in Scotland in 2015, there are ongoing discussions over a minimum alcohol price.

Miss Douglas said: ‘Minimum pricing targets the drinks and drinkers causing the most harm, with minimal impact on moderate drinkers. It is really disappointing that the Scotch Whisky Association’s legal action has delayed this policy for four years so far. ‘This delay has undoubtedly cost lives.’ Overall, the ONS found little difference in household spending. The weekly total in Scotland is £481.70, nearly £50 lower than the UK average, £527.20.

The ONS said the lack of change was due to growth in consumer confidence levelling off in 2015-16.