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Scotland’s MUP rises by 30%
The minimum unit price (MUP) of alcohol sold in Scotland has risen by 30%, the first increase since it was introduced at 50p per unit of alcohol in May 2018.
In an attempt to keep up with inflation over the past six years, the MUP has increased to 65p per unit, meaning a 700ml bottle of 40% ABV whisky cannot be sold for less than £18.30 (US$24.37), as opposed to the previous price of £14 (US$18.64).
The MUP legislation was initially introduced in 2018 and was due to expire on 30 April 2024. In September 2023, the Scottish government launched a consultation on increasing it to 65p.
The MUP aims to reduce the availability of cheap alcohol in shops by setting a minimum price.
A Public Health Scotland study published in June last year found the MUP scheme had helped to reduce alcohol-related health inequalities.
Compared with England, where there is no minimum unit price, it estimated there were 13.4% fewer deaths related to alcohol than would have happened without the policy. In addition, it is believed that Scotland has seen 4.1% fewer hospital admissions.
Earlier this year, Scotland’s former deputy first minister Shona Robison said: “Research commended by internationally renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading MUP policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities.
“Alongside MUP, we will continue to invest in treatment and a wide range of other measures, including funding for Alcohol and Drug Partnerships which rose to £112 million (US$149m) in 2023-24.”
Health secretary Neil Gray said he was confident the scheme had saved hundreds of lives: “Obviously by increasing [the MUP] we would hope we would see a further improvement in the situation alongside the other aspects that we are looking at, including alcohol advertising and marketing.”
Willie Rennie of the Scottish Liberal Democrats backed the move, and noted that the price increase was due to inflation: “The original impact of minimum pricing has decreased over time as inflation has eaten away at the effectiveness of the policy.”
In September last year, a study by Sheffield University found that the original 50p price had been reduced by inflation to the equivalent of 41p.
However, the scheme has been criticised by members of the drinks trade.
In February, trade union GMB Scotland urged the government to reconsider its plans and warned the policy would risk jobs and investment while its health benefits remain unproven.
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