Figures announced by the Scottish National Party (SNP) show that of the 73 Scottish Parliament constituencies, 64 have alcohol related death rates above the UK average. The figures have prompted a number of media reports such as this one from the Telegraph, headed 'Alcohol kills up to six times more Scots than UK average'.
The SNP used the figures to reinforce the case for further measures such as minimum pricing to tackle the impact of alcohol-related harm. Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said:
“The Scottish Government’s package of radical measures to encourage and promote responsible drinking alongside an end to alcohol at pocket money prices is a major part of ending this damaging death toll.
“These figures expose for all to see the dramatic impact alcohol has on health in Scotland. There can be no doubt that we must take action on alcohol now before more lives are lost.
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