EXCLUSIVE: The increase in the Government's flagship policy on alcohol will be outlined in a consultation
The Scottish Government is expected to publish plans to increase the minimum unit price of alcohol to 65p, the Record can reveal.A 50p unit price was introduced in 2018 by Nicola Sturgeon’s Government.Ministers recently spoke to industry on a new limit recently and a public consultation will be issued.
Public health campaigners expect the Scottish Government will lift the MUP from 50p to 65p to ensure the impact is not eroded by inflation.Figures from National Records of Scotland show 1,276 people died from conditions caused by alcohol in 2022.The majority of deaths logged alcoholic liver disease as an underlying cause - 778 in total.
SNP Minister Elena Whitham said: "Later today, we are launching a consultation on the continuation of the minimum unit pricing legislation beyond 30 April 2024, when it is otherwise due to expire. We believe our proposals strikes a reasonable balance between the positive public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and subsequent impact on consumers.
"The consultation builds on Ministerial engagement with business and health stakeholders which has taken place throughout the summer and is supported by an interim Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment which will also been published today."But there was limited evidence of reducing consumption among low income alcoholics.