Summary of the Scottish Government's Findings on the Impact of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) for Alcohol

The Scottish government have released their findings following the consultation on of the operation and effect of the minimum pricing provisions during the first five years of the provisions under the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 being in force.

At the same time we have seen discussions arising as to the level of Minium Unit  Price(MUP).

The consultation asked the question: "To what extent has implementing MUP in Scotland contributed to reducing alcohol-related health and social harms?"

The findings were as follows-

• There is strong evidence that MUP reduced deaths directly caused by alcohol consumption (wholly attributable) in Scotland compared to what would have happened in the absence of MUP. The overall reduction was driven by reductions in deaths due to chronic causes, such as alcoholic liver disease. There was some indication of a small increase in deaths from acute causes, such as alcohol intoxication, but there is considerable uncertainty around this finding in part due to the relatively small number of deaths due to acute causes.
• There is strong evidence that MUP reduced wholly attributable hospital admissions due to chronic causes. There is some evidence of an increase in wholly attributable admissions due to acute causes. Overall, it is likely that MUP has reduced wholly attributable hospital admissions in Scotland compared to what would have happened in the absence of MUP.
• There is no consistent evidence that MUP impacted on other alcohol-related health outcomes such as ambulance callouts, emergency department attendances and prescribing of medication for alcohol dependence.
• There is no consistent evidence of either positive or negative impacts on social outcomes, such as alcohol-related crime or illicit drug use, at a population level.
• There is some qualitative evidence of negative health and social consequences at an individual level, particularly for those with alcohol dependence who are financially vulnerable.

Additionally, the report claims the consultation identified the following-

• Reductions in wholly attributable deaths and hospital admissions were greatest among men and those living in the most deprived areas of Scotland.
• There is strong and consistent evidence of a reduction in alcohol consumption following MUP implementation. Total alcohol sales reduced by 3% driven entirely by a reduction in sales through the off-trade (supermarkets and other shops). Those households that purchased the most alcohol prior to MUP also reduced their purchasing the most after implementation.
• MUP impacted on the price of some products more than others, particularly some ciders and spirits. This was reflected in alcohol sales, with the greatest reductions in sales observed among these products.
• Retailers found that loss in sales was generally offset by an increase in price; the impact on profits overall is not clear.
• Overall, there is no consistent evidence that MUP impacted either positively or negatively on the alcoholic drinks industry as a whole.

The latter 2 points may be ones disputed within the drinks retailing industry.

The report also looks at the impact of the MUP on the licensing objectives and if any impact is visible and can be quantitively measured. The full report is here. https://www.gov.scot/publications/alcohol-minimum-pricing-scotland-act-2012-report-operation-effect-minimum-pricing-provisions-2018-2023/pages/1/

It should always be remembered that this legislation is unusual having a sunset clause- i.e. it only lasts until 2030 and in effect the executive will need to have evidence as to impact to be able to recommend its continuation.