Minimum unit of alcohol pricing (Scotland)

What is MUP?

Minimum unit pricing sets the lowest price an alcoholic drink can be sold for. By law, alcohol cannot be sold cheaper 65p a unit.

Examples of MUP

For example, this means the minimum price for the following:

• whisky (700ml bottle at 40% strength) - £18.20

• vodka/gin (700ml bottle at 37.5% strength) - £17.07

• wine (750ml bottle at 13% strength) - £6.34

• beer (4 average-sized cans at 5%) - £5.72

Why do we have minimum unit pricing?

Minimum unit pricing aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by making alcohol less affordable. Research into minimum unit pricing has shown that this has helped reduce alcohol-related deaths and hospital admissions.

Who supported MUP?

The government, public health charities/organisations, the general public and pubs (because they wouldn’t lose money - equals the price between supermarkets and pubs)

Who is affected by MUP?

People on low-income, heavy and dependent drinkers

Who was against MUP?

Alcohol manufactorers - they were not worried about MUP directly as they will only make more money, they were concerned about the government making legislations and potentially making more legislations on things like alcohol advertising

Why scotland?

Scotland has significant statistics of alcohol related illnesses and death, creating pressure on healthcare

What was the result of MUP?

There was a reduction in number of deaths by 13.5%, this is evidence the legislation works

Will this deter dependant drinks?

Dependent drinks is only a small minority, this is an addiction and pricing will not prevent dependent drinks. Although, the pricing increase will stop heavy drinkers, therefore, still reducing alcohol related health problems

How does MUP effect pubs and bars?

These establishments already sell products above the new minimum price so pricing will not be increased, this levels out pricing between supermarkets and pubs/bars, making more people choose to drink out

Should MUP be implemented in England?

Discuss