Alcohol minimum unit price proposed to rise to 65p

The minimum unit price of alcohol in Scotland could rise from 50p to 65p under proposals published for consultation by the Scottish Government.

Views are being sought on whether to continue the legislation beyond its initial six year term, which ends next April, and the level at which any minimum unit price should be set.

Evaluations of the operation of the law to date suggest that it has had some positive impact on health outcomes, with a reduction in alcohol attributable deaths and hospital admissions, though there is no consistent evidence of either positive or negative impacts on social outcomes, such as alcohol-related crime or illicit drug use at a population level. There is limited evidence that the policy has been effective in reducing consumption for people with alcohol dependence, but such people are said to need evidence based treatment and wider support that addresses the root cause of their dependence.

There is also no clear evidence overall of substantial negative impacts on the alcoholic drinks industry as a whole, although convenience stores were more likely to have noted a decrease in revenue and profits, particularly if they previously relied on high strength, low cost alcohol products.

A range of options are set out in the consultation, from no or a reduced minimum unit price in future to possible increases up to 65p and beyond.  The Government favours 65p as providing the most positive health benefits without undue impact on consumers and the drinks industry.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: "The recent rise in alcohol-specific deaths highlights the need for more to be done to tackle alcohol-related harm.

"Our world-leading minimum unit pricing policy is one of the measures we know can make a difference. Recent research estimated it has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol attributable hospital admissions each year – and also contributed to reducing health inequalities. It is one of a range of measures we have in place across prevention and treatment services to reduce alcohol harm.

"We believe the proposals set out in this consultation strike a reasonable balance between public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and subsequent impact on consumers, but we want to hear from all sides and urge everyone to take the time to respond."

Access the consultation here. Responses are due by 22 November 2023.