Scottish government sets consultation on continuing minimum prices on alcohol

The Scottish government has proposed extending Minimum Unit Pricing (Mup) for alcohol beverages beyond 30 April 2024, and setting the Mup level at 65 pence per unit of alcohol going forward. The Government has announced a public consultation period to gather views from people, businesses, public bodies, and interested parties on the proposal.

The policy aim of Mup is to reduce health harms caused by alcohol consumption by setting a floor price below which alcohol cannot be sold. In particular, it targets a reduction in consumption of alcohol that is considered cheap, relative to its strength. It aims to reduce both the consumption of alcohol at population level and, in particular, among those who drink at hazardous and harmful levels.

More information can be found here: Summary - Alcohol - minimum unit pricing - continuation and future pricing: consultation - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)