Minimum price of alcohol to rise by 30% as MSPs vote to increase cost

The minimum price at which alcohol can be sold in Scotland will rise by 30% as MSPs voted for the public health measure to continue.

It means the price per unit will increase from 50p to 65p.

Scotland was the first country in the world to set a minimum price at which drink can be sold when the policy was introduced in May 2018.

A sunset clause on the legislation meant the current regulations were to expire at the end of April this year.

The increase will take effect on September 30, 2024.

Drugs and alcohol policy minister Christina McKelvie said: “Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading 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. However, as a letter to The Lancet by public health experts makes clear, it is likely that without MUP there would have been an even greater number of alcohol-specific deaths.”

McKelvie said the policy aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by reducing consumption at population level, with a particular focus on targeting people who drink at hazardous and harmful levels.