The Scottish Government’s case for a minimum price on alcoholic drinks has been weakened after key scientists in the debate said the policy would be less effective than first thought.
Minimum pricing would save slightly fewer lives and reduce consumption by slightly less than originally predicted, according to new figures published by the Scottish Government this week.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The figures are contained in a study by the University of Sheffield, which has updated its assessment of the impact of minimum pricing. Its original study is the foundation of the Scottish Government’s strategy to impose a base price on drinks.
A minimum price of GBP0.40 (US$0.62) per alcohol unit, the base price quoted by the Government late last year, would cut alcohol consumption by 5.1% instead of an earlier predicted 5.4%.
Annual alcohol-related deaths would fall by 1,700, compared to 1,900 estimated previously.
Crime rates would also fall less steeply, according to the new report. It adds: “For crime, there is much uncertainty in the construction of a quantitative relationship between alcohol consumption and volumes of crime.”
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataThe new report weakens the Scottish Government’s case for minimum pricing at a time when it is attempting to persuade opposition politicians to support the move.
However, the new Sheffield study still draws a direct link between a minimum price and lower consumption, crime and death rates.
