Despite ‘hugely encouraging’ initial evaluations of the impact of minimum unit pricing of alcohol in Scotland, campaigners warn rising drinking levels under lockdown could impede progress.

Recent reports show one million Scots are drinking more since lockdown began – a trend that has raised concerns among public health experts. Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland Alison Douglas says it puts at risk progress made since minimum pricing came into effect in 2018.

The first studies of the effects of introducing a minimum price for each unit of alcohol sold in Scotland suggest the SNP’s flagship policy has been something of a success, with experts suggesting it could be behind a 20% reduction in alcohol-related deaths in Glasgow from 2017 to 2018.

The annual monitoring and evaluation of Scotland’s alcohol strategy (MESAS) report in 2019 showed the biggest drop in consumption in 25 years.

However, the situation Scotland finds itself in now with lockdown set to continue for at least another week and social distancing measures of some form likely to be in place for the foreseeable future, is one that Ms Douglas deems unlikely to change the nation’s relationship with alcohol for the better.

“This could have a significant impact not just on the health and wellbeing of drinkers but also on their children and families”, the alcohol charity lead said.

“This only serves to underline why, as well as ensuring people have access to services, we need to keep focused on longer term preventative policies like minimum unit pricing.

“The Scottish Government has a strong track record in tackling alcohol harm and they must continue to prioritise the nation’s health and wellbeing as part of our longer-term recovery from this crisis.”

Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), which represents Medical Royal Colleges and the Faculty of Public Health in Scotland, campaigned for MUP from 2007. 

SHAAP Director Dr Eric Carlin warns that people should be in no doubt about the “ferocity and determination” of global alcohol producers that are seeking to overturn minimum pricing – a policy widely recognised as a world-leading public health measure, including by the World Health Organization.

Dr Carlin said: “The scientific and clinical evidence supporting minimum pricing assembled by SHAAP and others was rigorously examined through the legal challenges which began in 2012, when the legislation was passed without opposition in the Scottish Parliament, and 2018 when it was finally implemented.

“Throughout this period, the opponents to MUP shamed the reputation of their industry by prioritising profits over people’s lives.

“As we move to a post-covid-19 ‘new normality’, we will need to build on progress made prior to the pandemic and to regain the momentum with policies, including MUP that reduce alcohol-related harms that disproportionately affect the poorest communities.” 

Dr Eric Carlin

Sign up to our bulletin sent twice a week so you don’t miss out on the latest health and social care news.