A warm welcome for minimum drink pricing

Supportive Good thing Stop young people Thumbs up Readers back government

Kim McCallum William McCallum Helen Murray Eva Jardine

Last week, Scotland became the first country in the world to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol.

It means that, overnight, prices soared for drinkers – because booze can no longer be sold for less than 50p per unit.

The biggest price rise was slapped on supermarket own-brand spirits.

And anyone wanting to buy a four-pack of high strength cider will now have to pay an extra 10 per cent.

The Wishaw Press asked locals whether they think it’s a positive step, or a well-meaning move that will fail to make an impact.

William McCallum, of Wishaw, is not a drinker, but he has strong thoughts on the matter.

“If it helps to reduce the problems associated with alcohol, it is a good thing. Will people find a way around it? Of course they will. Look at the prohibition.

“The papers are saying that people will be going to England, where drink is now cheaper and I won’t be surprised if they go to Spain. They are trying to stop it, but it won’t work. I’m pleased they are trying, though.”

The Scottish Government’s stance also received the thumbs-up from Eva Jardine, of Lesmahagow. “I don’t drink and never have,” said mum Eva. “I think Scotland is full of alcoholics and I am totally happy with the Scottish Government’s decision to introduce minimum unit pricing. I think this will prevent alcoholism and deaths. I am all for health.” Wishaw’s Helen Murray agreed. “It will stop the young people going in and buying drink,” she said.

Kim McCallum was also supportive of minimum unit pricing and is convinced it will tackle the problem of excessive drinking in the Wishaw area.

“There is far too much drink in Wishaw, so I am all for this,” said Kim. Saying that, if folk want to find it, they will find it. I think, though, it will deter some people because they do not have the money now the prices have gone up.

“I think it’s a great thing for us that Scotland is the first in the world to introduce something like this. It makes me proud.”