MUP 50 times more effective than below cost selling ban

Minimum alcohol pricing of 45p per unit would be 50 times more effective than current government policies in combatting alcohol misuse, new research suggests.

Minimum unit pricing would be 50 times better at tackling problem drinking than prohibiting below cost selling

In April, the British government banned low cost selling in England and Wales, which targets drinks sold so cheaply that their price is below the cost of the tax on the product, including duty and VAT.

It came after plans to enforce a minimum unit price for alcohol in the region of 40p to 50p were rejected by the government in 2013.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Sheffield and published by bmj.com, showed that below cost selling would raise the price of just 0.7% of alcohol units sold, compared to a minimum unit pricing of 45p, which would increase the price of 23.2% of alcohol units sold.

Furthermore, the research suggested below cost selling would reduce harmful drinkers’ average annual consumption by just 0.8%, equating to approximately three units per year.

With the introduction of a 45p minimum unit price, consumption was predicted to be 45 times more effective at reducing alcohol consumption, resulting in a reduction of 3.7% or 137 units.

It was estimated the current ban would save approximately 14 lives and 500 hospital admissions each year, while a minimum unit pricing policy of 45p could save as many as 624 lives and 23,700 admissions.

The data was collected by comparing the effects of the two policies on public health using a mathematical model alongside General Lifestyle Survey information, used to estimate the changes in alcohol consumption, spending and related health harms among adults.

Participants were separated into groups of moderate, hazardous and harmful drinkers in accordance with weekly consumption guides.

A spokesman for The Department of Health said: “Alcohol-fuelled harm costs society £21 billion a year and we are determined to reduce this burden to taxpayers.

“We are taking action to tackle cheap and harmful alcohol such as banning the lowest priced drinks.

“We are working with industry to promote responsible drinking.”