ADPH responds to impact of Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol in Scotland

An assessment of the immediate impact of the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) on alcohol in Scotland found it was successful in reducing the amount of alcohol purchased by households in Scotland.

Responding to the findings, ADPH CEO Nicola Close said:

“ This is a valuable study that clearly demonstrates the impact national policies that reduce the affordability of alcohol can have on reducing alcohol-related harm.

There are health inequalities associated with alcohol harm. Lower socioeconomic status is associated with higher levels of alcohol-related ill-health and alcohol-attributable mortality.

The biggest drop in alcohol purchases was in lower income households, which shows the targeted effect such measures can have on reducing health inequalities.

Alcohol harm costs both individuals and society; one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways of reducing it is through national policies like MUP and our members strongly support its introduction.”

Read our policy position on alcohol and recommendations for national and local activity