The Scottish National Party (SNP) today announced they wish to see a 45 pence per unit minimum price made law as part of the forthcoming Alcohol Bill. Although opposition parties have supported the wider principles of the Bill, they have opposed minimum pricing and suggested other approaches.
Stage 2 of the Alcohol Bill is due later this month; likely to be the last chance for the SNP's minimum pricing plan. The Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, backed by health groups, has previously called on opposition parties to 'rise above party politics' and accept minimum pricing as the most effective approach, even offering a 'sunset clause'. Sturgeon today announced the potential impacts of a 45 pence minimum price, including £83 million reduction in health care costs over the 10 year period. The Health Secretary also rejected claims that the measure would unfairly hit the poorest or punish responsible drinkers.
Earlier this week the Scottish Labour party called for a 'floor price' as an alternative, similar to the Coalition's proposals to ban below cost sales. But Sturgeon insisted such alternatives would not make an impact. She also suggested Westminster's below cost plans had been delayed because they 'not been able to come up with a fair definition of cost'. She also dismissed tax increases as a single alternative, suggesting cider duty would need to be increased by 200% to bring it in line with the proposed minimum price. Announcing the long-awaited figure, Sturgeon said:
'I believe it's crucial that we reintroduce realistic alcohol pricing. It cannot be right that a man can exceed his weekly recommended alcohol limit for less than £3.50.
Our proposals have already won backing from respected health professionals at home and abroad and I hope, for the sake of our nation's health, they will also win the backing of the Scottish Parliament.'
In a Morning Advertiser report, Wine and Spirit Trade Association spokesman Gavin Partington said:
'Setting a minimum price at 45p doesn't alter the fact that minimum pricing is wrong in principle. It won't tackle alcohol misuse but will punish families on low incomes and pensioners.
Surely Ministers cannot believe that making a hazardous drinker pay an extra £1.08 per week is going to solve the problem.'
A BBC page has a full list of responses to the proposals. The SNP have a minimum pricing page and the University of Sheffield have previously modelled the potential impact of minimum pricing. Alcohol Focus Scotland is the national charity seeking to reduce alcohol harm for Scotland.
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