Minimum pricing ‘ effective’ in reducing booze consumption

MINIMUM unit pricing has been effective in reducing alcohol consumption in the three years since it was implemented, according to a report.

The latest data showing the impact of minimum unit pricing ( MUP) was published in a report today by Public Health Scotland, showing a 3% net reduction in sales per adult in the three years following the implementation of the policy.

This was driven by a reduction in per- adult sales of alcohol through the off- trade in supermarkets and off licences, the report stated.

Maree Todd, Scotland’s public health minister, said: “Minimum unit pricing is achieving what it set out to do – a reduction in sales overall with a focus on the cheap high- strength alcohol, which is often drunk by people drinking at harmful levels.”

The research follows an earlier report which demonstrated a similar fall in off- trade alcohol sales in the first 12 months after the implementation of minimum pricing and allowed for adjustment including geographical control and for Covid- 19 associated restrictions.

Sales of cider, perry, spirits and beer have seen net reductions but there have been net increases in the sales of wine and fortified wine such as Buckfast.

Figures were based on the total volume of pure alcohol sold, both through pubs and in off licences.

Lucie Giles, Public Health Intelligence Principal at PHS, said: “The overall impact of MUP on total per- adult alcohol sales in Scotland was a 3% net reduction, driven by a reduction in off- trade sales. We can conclude that, across Scotland as a whole, MUP has been effective in reducing alcohol consumption in the first three years of implementation.”