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News
Government policies reduce alcohol consumption
Government policies have ameliorated alcohol consumption levels and harms in Scotland over the last five years, according to a new report.
Government policies have ameliorated alcohol-related harm in Scotland, according to a new report
The report by NHS Health Scotland, Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy (MESAS) programme, revealed numerous actions put into place, such as the prohibition of multi-buy drinks promotions, contributed to the positive results.
However, the report urged that more needs to be done to ensure the improvements continue, including the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol.
The report is the final review of the Scottish government’s alcohol strategy ‘Framework for Action’, which was introduced in 2009 and detailed 41 steps to reduce alcohol consumption and offer support to families and communities.
This also included the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol, which has not come into effect due to legal challenges brought forward by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).
The European Court of Justice ruled that Scottish government’s case for a minimum unit price for alcohol breaches EU law if other tax options exist.
“Scotland is continuing to pay a heavy price for high levels of alcohol consumption,” said Clare Beeston from NHS Health Scotland. “The picture has improved but levels of alcohol related harm remain high – on average 22 people in Scotland die every week because of alcohol.
“Individuals, families, communities and the economy are suffering because of harmful alcohol use.
“There is some evidence that the welcome declines in alcohol consumption and harm may have slowed or even stalled in recent years.
“We need to continue to push for the most effective ways to reduce the amount of alcohol Scotland drinks.
“There are to reduce the affordability, availability and promotion of alcohol.
“A minimum unit price for alcohol is one of the best ways to reduce drinking in the heaviest drinkers and tackle the alcohol related health inequalities.”