Minimum unit pricing for alcohol in Scotland has increased from 50p to 65p. This means that a drink must cost at least 65p per unit of alcohol.
The policy was introduced by the SNP Government in 2018 but it is now going up by 30 per cent. The increased price is intended to bring down deaths and hospital admissions.
But this year it was revealed alcohol deaths were at a 15-year high. How will the most popular alcoholic drinks be affected by the increase?
The minimum price for a four pack of Tennent’s cans will rise from £3.52 to £4.58.
For Guinness, the minimum price for a four pack will go from £3.52 to £4.58.
A can of Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Cider will go from £1 to £1.30.
Spirits-wise, a 70cl of Famous Grouse will go from £14 to £18.20.
For a same-sized bottle of Glen’s vodka, it will go from £13.13 to £17.07. Captain Morgan will go from £12.25 to £15.93.
For wine lovers, a bottle of Blossom Hill will increase from £4.69 to £6.10.
There has been a debate over whether minimum unit pricing is fully effective.
Buckfast rose in Novermber 2020 and prices fell in the year following the previous introduction of minimum unit charges of 50p.
Tennent’s sales from shops also rose, despite an average price increase of more than 10 per cent.
The money made from the price increase goes to retailers, although campaigners have said it should fund alcohol support services.
SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities.”
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