Dr Alastair MacGilchrist OBE, Chair of SHAAP, said:
“At a time when Scotland is facing an alcohol public health emergency, with 1,179 people dying
from alcohol-specific causes in 2024, it is deeply concerning that the Scottish Government has
diluted ministerial focus on this critical issue.
“Under the previous government, Maree Todd demonstrated real commitment to tackling
alcohol harm through her dedicated Alcohol & Drugs portfolio. The expansion of the ministerial
portfolio from Alcohol & Drugs to now include Mental Wellbeing, Public Health and Sport
suggests that alcohol harm is being downgraded as a political priority. This raises concerns
when we need sustained, dedicated attention to tackle Scotland’s broken relationship with
alcohol.
“Alcohol harm intersects with all of these policy areas, but addressing it requires focused
political will and ministerial capacity. We urge the Scottish Government to demonstrate that
tackling alcohol harm remains a priority through decisive action on marketing restrictions,
uprating Minimum Unit Pricing annually, and supporting the expansion of Alcohol Care Teams
across Scotland.”