Scottish Government to Introduce 50 Pence Per Unit Minimum Price For Alcohol
The Scottish Government will recommend the minimum price per unit of alcohol should be set at 50 pence. The decision was made following analysis of a public consultation, and the recommended price will now be laid before the Scottish Parliament
Health Secretary Shona Robison said the responses to the consultation indicated the majority of respondents who commented on the price were supportive of the 50 pence minimum unit price.
She said: “I am grateful to everyone who took the time to respond to the consultation on our proposed minimum price per unit of alcohol and I am happy to confirm that we will be moving forward with our recommendation of 50 pence. With alcohol on sale today in some places at just 16 pence per unit, we have to tackle the scourge of cheap, high-strength drink that causes so much damage to so many families. This move will save thousands of lives.”
The new regime is expected to come into force on May 1st 2018.