The alcohol problem in Scotland is so significant that ground breaking measures are now required. Given the link between consumption and harm and evidence that affordability is one of the drivers of increased consumption, addressing price is an important element of any long-term strategy.
Alcohol is now 44% more affordable in the UK than it was in 1980. It is possible in Scotland today to exceed the maximum weekly recommended intake of alcohol for men (21 units) for around £4. This is an unacceptable position and we have a responsibility to address this problem.
There is strong international evidence that tackling price- as part of package of measures, including education and diversion - can help reduce alcohol consumption and related harm.
The Alcohol Act came into force on 1 October 2011 and although it does not contain the key measure of setting a minimum price, it is a significant step in the battle against Scotland's unhealthy relationship with alcohol and although. The main measures in the Act are:
· a ban on quantity discounts in off-sales that encourage customers to purchase more than they might have;
· a restriction on where material promoting alcohol may be displayed;
· the involvement of health boards in licensing issues;
· a requirement for an age verification policy which is to be set at 25; and
· the setting out of a broad framework for a Social Responsibility Levy.
We continue to believe that a minimum price per unit of alcohol remains the most effective and efficient way to tackle alcohol misuse in Scotland and that is why we introduced an Alcohol Minimum Pricing Bill on 1 November 2011.
`See what effect a 50p minimum price would have.`
What is Minimum Pricing?
Research into differing price policy options concluded that a minimum price is the most effective of a range of policy options. It has been recommended as a way of increasing the price of drinks such as own-brand spirits and white cider, which have high alcohol content but are usually very cheap. Minimum pricing would simply set a floor price for a unit of alcohol, meaning it can't be sold for lower than that. The more units a drink contains, the stronger it is and therefore the more expensive it will be. A pint of beer contains about two units, while a bottle of wine contains about 10.
Minimum pricing is not a tax; it is a targeted way of making sure strong drink is sold at a sensible price.