News In Focus
2 September 2010
Minimum alcohol price named
The proposed minimum price for alcohol in Scotland is to be set at 45p per unit, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced today.
The Scottish Government will table an amendment to the Alcohol (Scotland) Bill to introduce the 45p figure. The bill is about to start stage 2 of the parliamentary process.
Opposition parties are still likely to vote down the concept of a minimum price, and the measure if passed is expected to attract a legal challenge to its compatibility with European Union competition law.
Ms Sturgeon said that introducing a minimum price of 45p per unit would have significant health and social benefits including, in the first year:
- 50 fewer deaths from alcohol-related harm
- 1,200 fewer hospital admissions
- a £5.5 million reduction in health care costs
- 22,900 fewer days’ absence from work.
She predicted that after 10 years the annual benefits would rise to 225 fewer deaths from alcohol-related harm and 4,200 fewer hospital admissions. Health care savings would amount to £83m over that period.
Ms Sturgeon said: "For too long, too many Scots have been drinking themselves into an early grave. It is no coincidence that as the affordability of alcohol has plummeted in recent decades, alcohol-related deaths, disease, crime and disorder have spiralled.
"I believe it's crucial that we reintroduce realistic alcohol pricing. It cannot be right that a man can exceed his weekly recommended alcohol limit for less than £3.50. That's why we're taking decisive action, including proposals to introduce a minimum price per unit, which would bring these pocket money prices to an end."
Unenviable reputation
Dr Harry Burns, Scotland's chief medical officer, said: "Scotland has an unenviable reputation when it comes to alcohol. We are, sadly, world-class when it comes to damaging our health through heavy drinking.
"But that can change. Scotland led the way in the UK when it came to banning smoking in public places and I believe we must also lead the way in introducing a minimum price for alcohol.
"Minimum pricing, as part of a package of wider measures, can help us to redress the balance when it comes to our unhealthy relationship with alcohol."
Statistics published this week show that Scotland continues to drink more than every other part of the UK.