Real price of Scotland’s off-trade alcohol revealed by study
21/07/2010
Two reports published by NHS Health Scotland today show the extent of cheap alcohol sales in Scotland.
An updated report on alcohol sales over the five years 2005-09 confirms that adults in Scotland buy on average 24% more alcohol than the rest of Britain - that's roughly equivalent to two pints of beer or two 175ml glasses of wine extra per person per week - and the gap has continued to widen.
It also shows that the average price of alcohol is £1.31 per unit in bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels which account for 32% of all drink sold, but only 43p per unit in the off-trade, which accounts for 68% of sales.
The second report, looking in detail at off-sales prices, reveals just how much cheap alcohol is sold in Scotland.
In the off-trade overall, 16% was sold at less than 30p per unit of alcohol, 51% at below 40p, and 77% below 50p.
But some types of drink can be bought much more cheaply than others; 59% of vodka was sold at less than 35p per unit of alcohol whilst 26% of cider sold for less than 20p per unit.
Dr Laurence Gruer, Director of Public Health Science at NHS Health Scotland said:
"We know there are strong links between lower price and increased consumption - and between increased consumption and more alcohol-related problems of all sorts. In recent years, alcohol from off-sales has become relatively cheaper, encouraging many more people to drink harmful amounts. For example, at 20p per unit, just £4.40 will buy enough cider to exceed the maximum recommended weekly amount for a man or £3.00 for a woman.
"These findings underline the need for action on cheap off-sales alcohol in Scotland. It's by no means the only action needed, but the research shows clearly that nothing else is as effective as raising the price of alcohol."
A descriptive analysis of price band data for alcohol sold through the off-trade Scotland 2009
Analysis of Alcohol Sales data 2005 - 2009
***Response from Alcohol Focus Scotland***
Commenting on the publication today (Tuesday 20 July) of two reports which show the extent of cheap alcohol sales in Scotland, Barbara O'Donnell, Director of Services for Alcohol Focus Scotland said:
"This is yet again, more evidence that links low cost alcohol with increased consumption. The cheaper the price of alcohol, the more we consume. Two thirds of our alcohol is bought at off-sales for pocket money prices, making it possible to exceed the recommended weekly limit for less than £5. This is ridiculously cheap and adds to the alcohol related harm in Scotland. One Scot dies due to alcohol misuse every three hours.
A minimum price per alcohol unit would put an end to the cheap vodkas and ciders which are linked to alcohol related violence and harm. The consequences of drunkenness can affect anyone of us; whenever it's getting dragged into a drunken confrontation or colliding on the road with a drink driver.
People who deal with the effects of alcohol first hand; Doctors, Police, Nurses, Alcohol Service Providers, Children's Charities all back minimum pricing. It's astonishing there is resistance by some politicians to a policy which would save lives every year.
There is an urgent need for effective alcohol policies now. Politicians should unite for public good. They were able to put aside party interests when they agreed to implement no smoking in public places. The same must happen with minimum pricing. Good alcohol policy saves lives and bad alcohol policy kills people."
