The minimum price for alcohol in Scotland is to increase by 30% under plans to tackle deaths and hospital admissions.
In a statement on Thursday, deputy first minister Shona Robison announced the minimum unit price (MUP) will be increased from 50p to 65p.
If Parliament agrees to the proposal, the price hike will take effect from September 30, 2024.
But how will this change effect the most popular alcoholic drinks?
Blossom Hill 750ml – 12.5%
Old minimum price: £4.69
New minimum price: £6.10
Blossom HillTennent’s Lager 4x440ml – 4%
Old minimum price: £3.52
New minimum price: £4.58
StoryShopKopparberg Strawberry and Lime Cider 500ml – 4%
Old minimum price: £1
New minimum price: £1.30
KopparbergCaptain Morgan 700ml – 35%
Old minimum price: £12.25
New minimum price: £15.93
Glen’s Vodka 700ml – 37.5% – £17.07
Old minimum price: £13.13
New minimum price: £17.07
Glen’s VodkaThe Famous Grouse 700ml – 40%
Old minimum price: £14
New minimum price: £18.20
The Famous GrouseGuinness 4x440ml – 4%
Old minimum price: £3.52
New minimum price: £4.58
GuinnessWhy did Scotland become the first country in world to set a minimum price?
Getty ImagesIntroduced in May 2018, Scotland was the first country in the world to set a minimum price law at which drink can be sold.
Robison announced the change as she warned health harms caused by alcohol are still a “significant issue in Scotland”.
Official figures revealed 1,276 people died from alcohol-related health issues last year – the highest number since 2008.
The deputy first minister said: “Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) 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.”
In November 2022, sales of Buckfast rose and prices fell in the year following the previous introduction of minimum unit charges of 50p in Scotland.
Sales of Tennent’s from convenience stores also rose, despite an average price increase of more than 10%.
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