Public Well being Scotland (PHS) has right now printed the ultimate report on the impartial analysis of the affect of minimal unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol in Scotland. Proof exhibits that MUP has had a optimistic affect on well being outcomes, together with addressing alcohol-related well being inequalities. It has decreased deaths immediately attributable to alcohol consumption by an estimated 13.4% and hospital admissions by 4.1%, with the biggest reductions seen in males and people dwelling within the 40% most disadvantaged areas.
MUP led to a 3% discount in alcohol consumption at a inhabitants degree, as measured by retail gross sales. The discount was notably pushed by gross sales of cider and spirits by means of the off-trade (supermarkets and outlets) merchandise that elevated essentially the most in worth. Proof from a variety of knowledge sources exhibits that the best reductions had been amongst these households buying essentially the most alcohol, with little affect on households buying at decrease ranges.
For these folks with alcohol dependence there was restricted proof of any discount in consumption and there may be some proof of penalties for these with established alcohol dependence on low incomes, that led them to prioritise spending on alcohol over meals. At a inhabitants degree there is no such thing as a clear proof of considerable adverse impacts on social harms comparable to alcohol-related crime or illicit drug use.
The analysis report exhibits that whereas the affect on alcoholic drink producers and retailers assorted relying on the combination of merchandise made or offered, there is no such thing as a clear proof of considerable adverse impacts on the alcoholic drinks trade in Scotland as a complete.
Clare Beeston, Lead for the analysis of MUP, Public Well being Scotland stated:
“We’ve seen reductions in deaths and hospital admissions immediately attributable to sustained, excessive ranges of alcohol consumption, and that is additional proof that these consuming at dangerous and unsafe ranges have decreased their consumption. MUP alone shouldn’t be sufficient to deal with the precise and complicated wants of these with alcohol dependence who will usually prioritise alcohol over different wants, and you will need to proceed to supply providers and any wider assist that addresses the foundation reason behind their dependence.
“These dwelling in essentially the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in Scotland expertise alcohol-specific dying charges no less than 5 occasions better than these dwelling within the least disadvantaged areas. Alcohol-related problems are a number one contributor to well being inequalities in Scotland.
“Total, the proof exhibits that MUP has had a optimistic affect on enhancing well being outcomes, together with alcohol-related well being inequalities, and may play an element in addressing the preventable hurt that have an effect on far too many individuals, households and communities.”
Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Well being Science, Public Well being Scotland stated:
“Public Well being Scotland is dedicated to evidence-informed coverage, and we’re assured within the validity of the strong analysis printed right now. The proof in our report is according to earlier analysis on minimal pricing elsewhere.
“Public Well being Scotland is assured that MUP is an efficient mechanism to cut back alcohol-related hurt in Scotland and we assist the continuation of MUP past April 2024.”
View the ‘Evaluating the affect of Minimal Unit Pricing for alcohol in Scotland’ report