SCOTS DRINK DEATHS ARE UK HIGHEST
Shock figures spark alcohol price hike plea
THE rate of death from alcohol in Scotland is the highest in the UK, new figures show.
A study by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed 21.5 deaths per 100,000 of the population were caused by alcohol last year – an increase from 18.6 the year before.
Scotland’s rate is well above that of the UK, which is 14 per 100,000, according to the figures.
Ireland moves from the highest rate to the second highest, rising from 18.8 to 19.6. Wales recorded 13.9 deaths per 100,000, while England reported a rate of 13.
Despite having the lowest rates in the UK, England and Wales saw the biggest percentage rises – 19.3 per cent and 17.8 per cent respectively.
The highest jump in Scotland figures was seen in men, rising from 25.2 per 100,000 to 31.3, while the rate for women rose by just 0.1 to 12.7.
Elinor Jayne, of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (Shaap), called for a rise in the minimum unit price of alcohol.
She said: “The harm caused by alcohol in Scotland is again highlighted by data showing that, of the four nations of the UK, we have the highest alcohol-specific death rate, with a significant increase in deaths in 2020.
“For every person who has died, there are many, many left behind who will be dealing with the suffering caused by alcohol.
“For every person who has died, there are many, many more who have an alcohol problem which is affecting their daily lives, relationships and health. We should not accept that somehow alcohol harm is acceptable in Scotland.
“We need more done to prevent problems from developing, such as increasing minimum unit pricing from 50p to 65p and restricting marketing of alcohol.
“On top of that, we must see a focus on the services people with alcohol problems should be able to access, with a view to making it much easier for people to gain support and treatment.”
Alison Douglas, of Alcohol Focus Scotland, also called for a rise to 65p per unit, saying: “Minimum unit pricing is showing promising results, yet the pandemic threatens to undermine this. The Government must raise the minimum unit price of alcohol to save more lives.”