Call for views on future alcohol minimum unit pricing welcomed
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A consultation on the continuation of the minimum unit pricing (MUP) legislation for alcohol have been welcomed.
The Scottish Government have announced it will seek out views on the legislation which is due to expire at the end of April 2024.
A report from Public Health Scotland earlier this year found that the use of MUP had reduced deaths directly caused by alcohol by an estimated 13.4 per cent and hospital admissions by 4.1 per cent.
The largest reductions were seen in men and those living in deprived areas.
The minimum unit price for alcohol is currently 50p per unit and anyone with a licence to sell alcohol cannot sell it cheaper than this.
Proposals to increase the minimum pricing from 50p to 65p will be considered in the new consultation.
It applies to both retailers who sell alcohol like newsagents and supermarkets as well as places that sell alcohol for drinking on premises including pubs and restaurants.
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin said: “Further consultation on the minimum unit pricing is welcome and will build on engagement already taken by the Scottish Government with business and health stakeholders during the summer.
“The evidence shows that minimum unit pricing has had a positive impact in reducing how people consume alcohol.
"However, the recent rise in alcohol-specific deaths highlights the need for more to be done to tackle alcohol-related harm.
“I would like to encourage people to put forward their views in this consultation on a public health issue which impacts so many of us.”
Visit here to access the consultation.
