Scotland's national policy setting a 50p per unit minimum price for alcohol has reduced deaths and hospital admissions, most markedly in men living in more deprived communities, according to an independent evaluation published today by Public Health Scotland.

Minimum unit pricing (MUP) came into force in May 2018 and will require a further vote in the Scottish parliament before the end of next April if it is to continue.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) says MUP has been responsible for an estimated 13.4% reduction in deaths directly caused by alcohol and a 4.1% reduction in hospital admissions.

The research led by the University of Glasgow also suggests that the policy has led to an overall reduction in alcohol sales of 3% but shows no clear evidence of substantial negative impacts on the drinks industry.

However, PHS also notes that some people on low incomes with an alcohol dependence have prioritised buying drink over food.

PHS's lead for the evaluation of MUP Clare Beeston says, while those drinking at harmful and hazardous levels have reduced their consumption, it is still important to provide services and support to address the root cause of people's dependence on alcohol:

“Those living in the most socioeconomically deprived areas in Scotland experience alcohol-specific death rates at least five times greater than those living in the least deprived areas. Alcohol-related disorders are a leading contributor to health inequalities in Scotland.

“Overall, the evidence shows that MUP has had a positive impact on improving health outcomes, including alcohol-related health inequalities, and can play a part in addressing the preventable harm that affect far too many people, families and communities.”

Public Health Scotland says it will support the continuation of MUP beyond April 2024.

The Scottish government minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, Elena Whitham, says ministers will now carefully consider the research as part of ongoing work to review MUP:

“We’re determined to do all we can to reduce alcohol-related harm and, as this research demonstrates, our world-leading policy is saving lives, reducing alcohol harms and hospital admissions. Just one life lost to alcohol-related harm is one too many and my sympathy goes to all those who have lost a loved one.

“MUP has also contributed to reducing health inequalities. The study found the largest reductions in deaths and hospital admissions wholly attributable to alcohol consumption were seen in men and those living in the 40% most deprived areas.

“We know that additional support is needed for some groups, including those dealing with alcohol dependence and issues such as homelessness. That’s why, alongside MUP, last year £106.8m was made available to Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships to support local and national initiatives.”

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh says saving up to 250 lives a year is a significant achievement for MUP. However, the President of the Royal College, Professor Andrew Elder, says the government should now go further:

“Alcohol-related hospital stays in Scotland continue to place strain on our acute health services and deaths from alcohol remain unacceptably high. The evidence shows that MUP can be a key tool to help turn this situation around.

“The College considers that MUP can have an even greater and more positive effect on reducing Scotland’s alcohol harms if parliament moves now to make MUP permanent and to uprate it to at least 65p. We call on the Scottish government to take decisive action to take this forward without delay and we urge opposition parties to support this, recognising the benefits that have been identified by PHS.”

 

Read more: Doctors: Action on alcohol “desperately needed”; Call for alcohol harm focus to be on par with drugs; Alcohol brain damage care a human rights concern.

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