Calls for minimum alcohol price to be raised

Health campaigners have called for the minimum price for alcohol to be upped to at least 65p per unit, insisting such a move could save more lives.

Alcohol Focus Scotland made the plea ahead of the third anniversary of minimum unit pricing (MUP) being introduced.

Scotland was the first country in the world to bring in the public health measure on May 1 2018 – but since then the minimum price alcohol can be sold at has not changed from the initial level of 50p a unit.

The policy only came into force after a lengthy legal challenge and the 50p level was first proposed by ministers back in 2012.

Alcohol Focus Scotland said if it had kept pace with inflation, the MUP would now be 61p.

It said consumption of alcohol has fallen since it was introduced and hospital admissions for drink-related liver conditions have decreased.

A 10% fall in alcoholrelated deaths in 2019, with 1,020 fatalities compared to 1,136 the previous year, is also cited as evidence that the policy is working.

The Scottish Government had been set to review the MUP after two years, but Alcohol Focus Scotland said this was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It is now calling on the next administration to up the level to “at least” 65p, as well as committing to increasing it in line with inflation.

Alcohol Focus Scotland chief executive Alison Douglas said: “Minimum unit pricing is working. It has reduced alcohol consumption and there are early signs it is preventing illness and saving lives. But the policy has the potential to deliver even greater benefits.”