Scotland increases minimum unit price of alcohol

The minimum price per unit of alcohol in Scotland is to increase by 15p to 65p from midnight today (30 September) to increase the positive effects of the policy and to take account of inflation.

© Thom Masat/Unsplash

© Thom Masat/Unsplash

Research conducted by Public Health Scotland and the University of Glasgow estimated that MUP had reduced alcohol-attributable deaths by 13.4% – 156 a year – and was likely to have reduced hospital admissions wholly attributable to alcohol by 4.1% up to the end of 2020 compared to what would have happened if minimum unit pricing had not been in place.

Health secretary Neil Gray said: "Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities.

'Experts wrote to The Lancet, describing Public Health Scotland's evaluation of minimum unit pricing as "high-quality" and "comprehensive", and expressing confidence that there are several hundred people with low income in Scotland who are alive today as a result of this policy.'

 

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