What is the minimum alcohol price in the UK? Scotland to raise minimum unit price by 30%

Health campaigners consulted on a proposal in September 2023 to raise the minimum unit price of alcohol to 65p
Public Health Scotland said last year that minimum pricing had been “associated” with a 13.5% fall in deaths
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Lola Christina Alao5 February 2024

Scotland is reportedly preparing to increase the minimum price of alcoholic drinks by 30% under measures to control alcohol-related deaths and hospitalisations.

The minimum unit price for alcohol could increase from 50p to 65p from early May, six years after Scotland became the first in the UK to introduce the policy by Shona Robison.

Public Health Scotland said last year that minimum pricing had been “associated” with a 13.5% fall in deaths wholly attributable to alcohol, compared with the expected death rate had minimum pricing not been in force.

However, Scotland has experienced a 25% rise in alcohol-related deaths over the past three years, while the number of people using alcohol treatment services has fallen by 40% over the past decade, increasing the pressure on ministers.

Health campaigners consulted on a proposal in September 2023 to raise the minimum unit price of alcohol to 65p. The University of Sheffield report said the original 50p price was now equivalent to 41p.

The minimum cost of a standard bottle of whisky in Scotland will now rise from £14 to £18.20, vodka to £16.90 and a four-pack of basic lager to £4.58.

Willie Rennie, the former Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and now its economy spokesperson, who has been in support of the measure, said he was glad ministers had listened.

“More than 20 people a week in Scotland die due to alcohol misuse, so we need to take steps to stop alcohol wrecking lives and communities,” he said. “That’s before you even get to the pressure that it imposes on our health and justice systems.”

However, The Wine and Spirit Trade Association argues that the minimum price rise is an ineffective or unfair way to combat alcohol abuse, especially during a cost of living crisis, and is calling for it to be scrapped. 

David Richardson, its consumer affairs director, said: “Targeted measures have significantly greater impact without penalising the vast majority who do drink responsibly.”

What is the minimum alcohol price in the UK?

There is currently no minimum alcohol price in England. In Scotland, a 50p per unit price was introduced in 2018. 

In Wales, the same unit price was introduced from 2020. 

Experts have since urged minimum alcohol pricing in England after a survey showed it has reduced consumption in some of the heaviest-drinking households in Scotland and Wales.

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