Minimum alcohol unit price could be set to increase in Scotland
Ministers have launched a consultation on plans to increase the minimum unit price from 50p per unit to 65p
The cost of alcohol in Scotland could be set to go up, as the Scottish Government considers increasing the minimum unit price.
The current MUP, set at 50p per unit when it was introduced in 2018, will come to an end in April next year.
A consultation has now been launched on raising that by 15p to 65p.
That would bring it in line with action called for by groups such as Alcohol Focus Scotland.
Alcohol related deaths at a record high in Scotland
It comes after figures released in August showed 1,276 people died from alcohol last year, the highest number since 2008.
Drugs and alcohol policy minister Elena Whitham said: "The recent rise in alcohol-specific deaths highlights the need for more to be done to tackle alcohol-related harm.
"Our world-leading MUP policy is one of the measures we know can make a difference.
"Recent research estimated it has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions each year, and also contributed to reducing health inequalities.
"It is one of a range of measures we have in place across prevention and treatment services to reduce alcohol harm.
"We believe the proposals set out in this consultation strike a reasonable balance between public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and subsequent impact on consumers, but we want to hear from all sides and urge everyone to take the time to respond."
In its consultation document, the Government said it settled on 65p as it believes this price will bring the most health benefits while minimising interference in the market.
The Government said a price of 70p or more would result in "a more significant distortion to the market", with some premium products being included.
What would it mean in real terms?
Under the 65p MUP, a 700ml bottle of Scotch whisky would cost a minimum of £18.20.
The same volume of vodka or gin would have a minimum price of £17.07.
A pack of four 440ml cans of cider would cost at least £5.15, while a pack of four beer cans of the same size would cost at least £5.72.
The consultation will continue for nine weeks, after which ministers will make a final decision on whether MUP should continue and what the unit price will be.
Responding to the plans, Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane highlighted that the Scottish Government had recently updated a press release on the benefits of MUP after he complained about it to the UK Statistics Authority.
He said: "The launching of a second consultation shows even SNP ministers have concerns over any significant changes to their flagship minimum unit pricing policy.
"Increasing it to 65p per unit would only hit responsible drinkers during a cost-of-living crisis.”
Increase would 'impact responsible drinkers'
A spokeswoman for the Scotch Whisky Association said: "Alcohol misuse is complex but is a challenge that must be addressed.
"The Scotch whisky industry is committed to working in partnership with the Scottish Government to achieve that shared goal, including through the SWA's 'Made to be Measured' campaign.
"An increase of the minimum unit price of alcohol in Scotland from 50p to 65p would push up the minimum price of Scotch whisky from £14 to £18.20 - a significant increase of 30% that would impact consumers across Scotland, the vast majority of whom drink responsibly.
"We will analyse the consultation in detail and respond in due course."