The minimum price for alcohol in Scotland is to increase by 30% under refreshed plans to tackle deaths and hospital admissions.
After a raft of legal challenges were defeated, the Scottish government introduced a world-first policy in 2018 banning retailers from selling alcohol below 50p per unit.
At Holyrood on Thursday, Deputy First Minister Shona Robison announced the minimum unit price (MUP) will be increased to 65p.
The increase will be subject to parliamentary approval and is expected to come into force on 30 September.
Ms Robison said: “Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading minimum unit pricing policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities.
“Despite this progress, deaths caused specifically by alcohol rose last year – and my sympathy goes out to all those who have lost a loved one.
“We believe the proposals, which are supported by Scotland’s chief medical officer, strike a reasonable balance between public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and impact on consumers.
“Evidence suggests there has not been a significant impact on business and industry as a whole.
“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 £112m in 2023-24.”
Price change under the 65p MUP:
• Scotch whisky 40%: 700ml bottle will increase from £14 to £18.20.
• Vodka/gin 37.5%: 700ml bottle will increase from £13.13 to £17.07.
• Wine 13%: 750ml bottle will increase from £4.88 to £6.34.
• Beer 5%: 4x440ml cans will increase from £4.40 to £5.72.
• Cider 4.5%: 4x440ml cans will increase from £3.96 to £5.15.
Public Health Scotland previously said there were 13.4% fewer alcohol-related deaths than would have been the case without minimum pricing being in…
