Scotland Raises Minimum Alcohol Price to 65p

Scotland's minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol has risen from 50p to 65p per unit, a 30% increase aimed at addressing high alcohol-related deaths, which reached 1,277 in 2023, the highest since 2008. The Scottish Government and health experts argue that the price hike, alongside previous MUP measures, is necessary to combat the severe public health crisis linked to alcohol consumption, particularly in deprived areas. Critics, including the Scottish Conservatives, contend that the increase unfairly penalizes responsible drinkers while failing to address the consumption issues among those with alcohol dependence. Despite claims of the MUP's success in reducing hospital admissions and deaths, the government has been urged to implement further reforms, especially regarding alcohol marketing, which remains a contentious issue with industry pushback. Health Secretary Neil Gray emphasized ongoing commitments to support services for problematic alcohol use, reinforcing the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle alcohol harm. The rise in MUP has been met with mixed reactions, highlighting a complex landscape of public health policy in Scotland.