Anger as SNP plan for booze pricing is unveiled

proposals to raise the cost of alcohol from next year have been published by SNP ministers – but their claim moderate drinkers will not be affected has been disputed.

The scottish Government yesterday launched a consultation on its plans to force retailers to charge at least 50p per unit of alcohol from May.

It will mean a one-litre bottle of vodka will cost at least £18.75, a bottle of wine will have a minimum price of £4.88 and a pack of four cans of beer will be no less than £4.40.

Ministers claimed anyone who drinks moderately ‘will see very little difference, if any, in the cost of what alcoholic drinks they buy’.

But Christopher snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic affairs, said: ‘The claim moderate drinkers will be little affected by minimum pricing is a myth. It is based on a theoretical model in which moderate drinkers consume just six units a week, mostly in pubs.

‘The reality for someone who buys a more typical quantity of alcohol from the off-trade will be very different. In scotland, more than 60 per cent of beer, cider and spirits are sold below 50p per unit in the off-trade. a third of wine is also below

‘Minimum pricing will hit moderate drinkers’

per unit. They will all become more expensive under minimum pricing, at a cost of tens of millions of pounds to scottish drinkers.’

scotland is set to become the first country in the world to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol on May 1, 2018.

Kenny alexander, scottish spokesman for Drinkers’ Voice, said: ‘of course minimum unit pricing is going to hit moderate drinkers.

‘Whenever prices go up, the budget is tighter, which means less money for food and bills. This will be a particular strain for scottish homes on a low income.

‘people shouldn’t be priced out of being able to enjoy a few drinks. If the Government really wants to reduce alcohol abuse, it should invest in proper, tailored support for those with a problem.’

a scottish Government spokesman said: ‘This is not about penalising moderate drinkers – it is about tackling the cheap, high-strength alcohol that causes so much damage to so many families.

‘Given the clear and proven link between consumption and harm, minimum pricing is the most effective and efficient way to do that.’