Alcohol Sales Up In Scotland
Scots drinking a fifth more than people in England and Wales
The Scottish Government says a slight increase in alcohol sales in 2014 reinforces the need for minimum unit pricing to tackle the sale of cheap, strong alcohol.
Figures published today show that 10.7 litres of pure alcohol were sold per adult in Scotland in 2014 - equivalent to 20.5 units per adult per week - compared to 10.6 litres in 2013.
This is in contrast to the trend for declining sales seen in recent years.
Scots continue to drink almost a fifth more than in England and Wales, where nine litres of pure alcohol were sold per adult - equivalent to 17.4 units per adult per week.
Almost three quarters of alcohol sold in Scotland - 72 per cent - was from supermarkets or off-licences, the highest market share seen.
The figures also show that for the first time since 2007, the average price per unit in the off-trade has not increased and remains at 52 pence. However, more than half of alcohol sold in off-trade costs below 50 pence per unit - the level proposed for minimum unit pricing
Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “It’s concerning that the decline in consumption seen in recent years now appears to have stalled, especially after figures published last week showed alcohol-related deaths have increased for the second year running. “That is why we remain absolutely committed to tackling Scotland’s difficult relationship with alcohol head on. In particular championing the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing. “The fact that more than half of alcohol in the off-trade is being sold at under 50p per unit is worrying, given the established link between affordability and alcohol-related harm. It reinforces our belief that minimum unit pricing is an essential part of an effective alcohol strategy.”