How much will popular drinks cost under Scotland's new minimum alcohol pricing?

The minimum price for alcohol in Scotland has increased by 30% under plans to tackle deaths and hospital admissions.

The minimum unit price (MUP) has gone from 50p to 65p on Monday.

It comes after alcohol deaths in Scotland reached a 15-year high in 2023, hitting the highest level since 2008.

In total, 1,277 deaths were attributed to alcohol-specific causes last year, an increase of one death from 2022.

How does this change effect the most popular alcoholic drinks?

Blossom Hill 750ml – 12.5%

Old minimum price: £4.69

New minimum price: £6.10

Tennent’s Lager 4x440ml – 4%

Old minimum price: £3.52

New minimum price: £4.58

New-look Tennents cans to hit shelves StoryShop

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Cider 500ml – 4%

Old minimum price: £1

New minimum price: £1.30

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Cider Kopparberg

Captain 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 Vodka — Glen’s Vodka Glen’s Vodka

The Famous Grouse 700ml – 40%

Old minimum price: £14

New minimum price: £18.20

Guinness 4x440ml – 4%

Old minimum price: £3.52

New minimum price: £4.58

Why did Scotland become the first country in world to set a minimum price?

Introduced in May 2018, Scotland was the first country in the world to set a minimum price law at which drink can be sold.

Deputy first minister Shona 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%.