How much a drink will cost after Scotland’s minimum alcohol price rises today
Scotland’s minimum price of alcohol has gone up today (September 30) in accordance with updated Scottish Government legislation.
The Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) increased by 15p, from 50p to 65p, reports Glasgow Live .
The law first went into effect in 2018, making Scotland the first ever country to enact a minimum price policy.
By raising costs, the Scottish Government sought to reduce alcohol sales and mitigate what it called “significant health harms caused by alcohol consumption in Scotland”.
Due to a “sunset clause”, the policy had to be re-approved this year when it expired on April 30, 2024.
MSPs voted to continue the policy in April and increased the minimum price to 65p to combat inflation.
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While the policy targets alcohol that is cheap relative to its strength - such as white ciders or bottom shelf vodkas and whiskeys - the price of all alcohol will increase.
Consumers can expect the minimum price of a four pack of Tennent’s to rise from £3.52 to £4.58, the Daily Record reports.
For Guinness, the minimum price for a four pack will go from £3.52 to £4.58. A can of Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Cider will go from £1 to £1.30.
For spirits, a 70cl of Famous Grouse will go from £14 to £18.20 and for a same-sized bottle of Glen's vodka, it will go from £13.13 to £17.07. Captain Morgan will go from £12.25 to £15.93.
Additionally, a bottle of Blossom Hill wine will rise from £4.69 to £6.10.
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Since its launch in 2018, studies by Public Health Scotland have found the policy to be effective in reducing alcohol-related harm.
Researchers observed a three per cent reduction in alcohol consumption, fewer alcohol-related deaths, and about 500 averted hospital admissions per year.
There has also been high levels of compliance by retailers.
However, data indicates the policy may have been less effective for dependent drinkers. This demographic continued buying alcohol but were just spending more money on it, and reducing other expenditures such as that on food and utilities.
The Scottish Government says that MUP was never meant to address dependent drinking in the first place, and invests separately in alcohol and drug treatment.
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Health Secretary Neil Gray said: "Research commended by internationally renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities."
He added that there are "several hundred people with low income in Scotland who are alive today as a result of this policy".
He continued: "However, the Scottish Government is determined to do all it can to reduce alcohol-related harm and as part of that, I am working to ensure people with problematic alcohol use receive the same quality of care and support as those dealing with problematic drugs use.
"We have also made a record £112 million available to alcohol and drug partnerships to deliver or commission treatment and support services locally, as well as investing £100 million in residential rehabilitation.
"I have also asked that Public Health Scotland is commissioned to review evidence and options for reducing exposure to alcohol marketing."