Ministers propose increasing minimum alcohol unit price to 65p

The minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol in Scotland could increase to 65p per unit under proposals from ministers.

Set at 50p per unit when introduced in 2018, the current term for MUP will come to an end on April 30, 2024.

Drugs and alcohol policy minister Elena Whitham is proposing to increase the unit price to 65p in a consultation which launched on Wednesday.

The proposed increase is in line with action called for by groups such as Alcohol Focus Scotland.

It comes after figures released in August showed 1,276 people died from alcohol last year, the highest number since 2008.

Ms 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 MUP 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.”

In its consultation document, the Government said it settled on 65p as it believes this price will bring the most health benefits while minimising interference in the market.

The Government said a price of 70p or more would result in “a more significant distortion to the market”, with some premium products being included.

Under the 65p MUP, a 700ml bottle of Scotch whisky would cost a minimum of £18.20.

The same volume of vodka or gin would have a minimum price of £17.07.

A pack of four 440ml cans of cider would cost at least £5.15, while a pack of four beer cans of the same size would cost at least £5.72.

The consultation will continue for nine weeks, after which ministers will make a final decision on whether MUP should continue and what the unit price will be.

Responding to the plans, Liberal Democrat Willie Rennie said: “Scottish Liberal Democrats were the first party to call for this change, so I am glad that ministers have listened.

“If MUP doesn’t move with inflation then the ambition of the policy is eroded.

“More than 20 people a week are dying in Scotland due to alcohol misuse.

“This is shocking and preventable, so we need to take steps to stop alcohol wrecking lives and communities.”

Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane highlighted that the Scottish Government had recently updated a press release on the benefits of MUP after he complained about it to the UK Statistics Authority.

He said: “The launching of a second consultation shows even SNP ministers have concerns over any significant changes to their flagship minimum unit pricing policy.

“Increasing it to 65p per unit would only hit responsible drinkers during a cost-of-living crisis.

“Alcohol deaths are at their highest level since 2008 on the SNP’s watch and it is clear their blanket approach to tackling this crisis is simply not working, or supporting those who most need help with alcohol addiction.

“Ministers had to amend a press release boasting of its success and were criticised for cherry-picking from one particular study to try and suit their narrative.”

A spokeswoman for the Scotch Whisky Association said: “Alcohol misuse is complex but is a challenge that must be addressed.

“The Scotch whisky industry is committed to working in partnership with the Scottish Government to achieve that shared goal, including through the SWA’s ‘Made to be Measured’ campaign.

“An increase of the minimum unit price of alcohol in Scotland from 50p to 65p would push up the minimum price of Scotch whisky from £14 to £18.20 – a significant increase of 30% that would impact consumers across Scotland, the vast majority of whom drink responsibly.

“We will analyse the consultation in detail and respond in due course.”