News and Press

Minimum prices for alcohol could save 70 Scottish lives in first year

29 Sep 2009

A new study from Sheffield University finds that the introduction of a 40p minimum price together with a ban on alcohol price promotions could prevent thousands of deaths, illnesses and crimes and save Scotland millions of pounds every year. The report predicts:

-- Consumption among harmful drinkers would fall 8.7 per cent (294 units of alcohol), equivalent to 118 cans of strong lager/cider or 11 bottles of vodka per drinker per year;

-- Deaths would fall by about 70 in the first year and 365 per year by year 10 of the policy;

 

-- A reduction in illnesses of 1,200 in the first year and 3,700 per year by year 10;

-- A reduction in general hospital admissions of 1,600 in the first year and 6,300 per year by year 10 (representing 15 per cent of total alcohol-related admissions);

-- A reduction in crime of 3,200 offences per year;

-- Harmful drinkers would pay an extra £137 per year, compared to just £11 for moderate drinkers.

Download the report for full findings: ScHARR Scotland Pricing Report 2009