Scottish Government sets minimum unit price at 45p

The Scottish Government has set a minimum price of 45p per unit of alcohol, with Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon saying it was crucial to reintroduce “realistic” pricing.

The minister predicted that minimum pricing would save lives, save money and save future generations from the “harm and misery caused by alcohol misuse”.

Sturgeon predicted that the price would lead – in the first year alone – to 50 fewer deaths from alcohol-related harm, 1,200 fewer hospital admissions, a £5.5 million reduction in health care costs, and 22,900 fewer days’ absence from work.

After 10 years, these benefits would increase to 225 fewer deaths from alcohol-related harm annually, 4,200 fewer hospital admissions annually and an £83 million reduction in health care costs over the period.

The minimum price will be introduced through an amendment to the Alcohol (Scotland) Bill, which is about to start the second stage of the parliamentary process.

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.”

The Health Secretary said getting the price right was vital for minimum pricing to work. If it was too low, it would be ineffective, she said. The 45p per unit price was reached after “careful consideration”.

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."

In July Middlesbrough Council became the first council in England to consult on a minimum unit price.

It proposed that “where premises are found to be selling alcohol below this price (50p), a review of the premises licence will be sought, if relevant representations are made”.

The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities has also commissioned a report into the possibility of passing a by-law that would set a minimum price of 50p per unit. The report’s findings will be presented at AGMA’s meeting this October.