Minimum pricing “proven” to cut alcohol deaths

Increasing the minimum price of alcohol by 10% could significantly reduce drink-related deaths and illnesses, a study has found.

Increasing the minimum price of alcohol could cut drinks-related deaths by 32%

According to the findings, published in the journal Addiction, a 10% rise in alcohol prices at government-owned liquor stores led to a 32% reduction in alcohol-related deaths in British Columbia between 2002-2009.

The findings were published this week just as a consultation on minimum pricing in the UK ended on 6 February.

The researchers, led by Dr Tim Stockwell, director of the University of Victoria’s Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia, claimed higher prices ‘put off’ consumers who preferred to drink cheaper alcohol.

“This study adds to the scientific evidence that, despite popular opinion to the contrary, even the heaviest drinkers reduce their consumption when minimum alcohol prices increase,” Dr. Stockwell said. “It is hard otherwise to explain the significant changes in alcohol-related deaths observed in British Columbia.”

During the period Canadian law changed, permitting privately-owned liquor stores to open. The study claimed that the 10% increase in such stores attributed to a 2% increase in alcohol-related deaths.

The findings have been welcomed by UK Health lobbyists, who have backed a move to set a 45p minimum price per unit of alcohol in England and Wales, following the passing of the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 in May 2012, which calls for a 50p per unit minimum price.

However the Scotch Whisky Association along with several other European wine and spirits organisations have challenged the measure in the Court of Session in Edinburgh, arguing that it breaches EU trade rules.

While the legislation has not been brought into force until the challenge is concluded, a consultation on the matter has been ongoing in England and Wales.

Separately, another study conducted by the British Department of Health found that consumers are underestimating their daily alcohol intake by up to 40%.