Minimum pricing update

28/07/2009

Alcohol Focus Scotland, SHAAP and BMA Scotland are continuing to work together to campaign for the introduction of a minimum price per unit for alcoholic drinks.

We are encouraged by the growing support for minimum pricing from the licensed trade, medical professionals and social welfare groups.

Speaking at an alcohol summit in June, Dr Peter Anderson, a World Health Organisation expert, said Scotland was seen as a "public health leader". He told the summit of politicians, retailers and health professionals: "You had the courage to introduce smoke-free pubs, let us hope you have the courage to introduce a minimum price for alcohol". Dr Harry Burns, Chief Medical Officer, said he too had been convinced that a minimum price would help save lives: "If we do that, people who in the course of the next year are going to die are going to be drawn back from the brink."

Paul Waterson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association said: "The link between excessive drinking and promotions and deep-discounting in off-sales - particularly supermarkets - is the major contributing factor we see with alcohol problems in Scotland. Not only does the SLTA agree with minimum pricing, it's a view shared by licensed trade leaders from the rest of the UK and Ireland."

Welsh Assembly ministers have stepped up the pressure on the UK government to bring in minimum pricing by writing to cabinet members arguing the evidence for action is "overwhelming".

However, some Scottish politicians remain unconvinced. While recognising the scale of the alcohol problem facing Scotland, it's clear we have more work to do to persuade Labour, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems that minimum pricing will reduce consumption and reduce harm.

The target groups for our campaign are the media, politicians, and the general public. With these three groups we are aiming to increase their knowledge and understanding of the issue and dispel some of the myths which are around like minimum pricing being a tax which will go to the Government (which it won't) or that it will mean a blanket increase in the price of all drinks (which it won't). These myths have unfortunately increased opposition to a measure which has the potential to make a real difference to the level of alcohol-related harm in Scotland.

Over the next six months we will use the media and community events to tell people the facts about minimum pricing and what benefits it would bring to them.

If your organisation supports minimum pricing please let us know.