The Scottish Government were recently called upon to identify the minimum unit price they are seeking to implement through the Alcohol Bill, according to a BBC report. The Scottish National Party (SNP) Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said they were still reviewing the evidence, though a 40 pence per unit may be most likely option as included in the Sheffield research modelling.
The SNP have been seeking to secure minimum pricing despite opposition from the other main parties and retail industry. The British Retail Consortium and opposition MPs have rejected minimum pricing as a blunt instrument that would penalise responsible drinkers and does not address the underlying problems.
But the SNP have continued to highlight support from health groups and others including brewers Tennants, as well as trying to "shatter the myth the minimum pricing would punish responsible drinkers". Recent research released by Aberdeen University appeared to challenge the argument that minimum pricing would unfairly target lower income drinkers.
A number of Scottish pub groups recently called for Government action to stamp out irresponsible promotions on alcohol in supermarkets, according to the Morning Advertiser. Writing to the Scottish Government, the pub groups said there was a 'need to create a level playing field between pub operators and supermarkets'.
There was significant political dialogue over minimum pricing in the build up to the election in England, especially following the Health Select Committee's alcohol report. The Welsh Health Minister has also made strong calls. Retiring Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson said earlier this year that failing to secure minimum pricing had been his biggest disappointment.
The new coalition Government is expected to take measures to 'ban below cost sales', though the likely effectiveness of this approach appears unknown.
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