News and Press

A survey of supermarket alcoholic drinks has revealed that minimum pricing will target the cheapest products, such as low-cost vodka and white cider.

6 Nov 2009

The easy availability of low-cost alcohol is recognised as driver of harmful consumption in Scotland so measures aimed at raising the price of the cheapest drinks are likely to be the most effective in reducing the high rates of alcohol harm.
Full findings of the survey can be viewed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/Alco hol/resources/MinimumPricingResearch. Prices correct on October 28, 2009.

Commenting on the publication of the survey, Dr Bruce Ritson, Chair of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, said:

"We welcome the publication of this survey which we hope will contribute to an informed debate in the Scottish Parliament on minimum pricing. As doctors faced with dealing with the increasing health consequences of excessive drinking on a daily basis, we are concerned by the ill-informed, poorly evidenced and unsubstantiated myths about minimum pricing which are being circulated by some opponents of this measure. The facts are simple, and irrefutable. There is a direct causal link between the price of alcohol, the level of consumption and the level of harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Minimum pricing is an evidence-based measure which should be supported by politicians of all parties and by anyone with an interest in the health of the Scottish people. This is not a political issue and we would urge politicians of all parties to put aside their differences in the interests of Scotland and to support this vital measure".