Scottish Government sets minimum alcohol price at 45p per unit

The proposed minimum price for alcohol which the Scottish Government wants to introduce will be set at 45p per unit, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said today.

This will mean a two-litre bottle of supermarket-brand cider would treble in price from about £1.32 at the moment to almost £3.80, while supermarket-brand vodka will go up from about £8 currently to about £11.80.

Ms Sturgeon said: "I believe it is crucial that we introduce realistic alcohol pricing.

"That's why we are taking decisive action, including proposals to introduce a minimum price per unit, which would bring these pocket-money prices to an end."

While plans for minimum pricing form a key part of the Scottish Government's efforts to tackle alcohol abuse, the minority SNP administration still lacks the necessary support to get the measure through Holyrood, with Labour, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats united in opposition.

The proposed minimum price would hit the cheaper supermarket brands, with little impact on established drinks.

Whisky from Asda and Tesco would increase from £9.20 and £9.95, to £12.60, according to figures provided by the Government.

But this new price would mean no change for Bell's, Whyte & Mackay or Johnnie Walker, which all currently retail above £14.

Ms Sturgeon added: "Getting the price right is vital for minimum pricing to work - too low and it will be simply ineffective.

"After careful consideration, we believe that 45p is the right price.

"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."

The measures are part of the Government's Alcohol Bill which was passed at Stage 1 in Holyrood in June.

But the opposition parties - who have the combined voting muscle to reject the plans - are opposed to the minimum price and have vowed to vote the measure down at a later stage.

The 45p minimum would also have significant health and social benefits, according to the Government.

It is expected to result in about 50 fewer deaths from alcohol-related harm in the first year of the new policy.

There would also be 1,200 fewer hospital admissions, a £5.5 million reduction in healthcare costs and 22,900 fewer days' absence from work.

The new minimum price would see many beers and lagers go up in price, with four cans of Tennent's Super lager or Carlsberg Special Brew going up from about £6 to £8.10.

A 24-bottle crate of Stella Artois would rise from £16.29 in Asda to £18.53, according to the Government figures, although brands like Guinness and Carling would not be hit.

Dr Harry Burns, Scotland's Chief Medical Officer, said: "Scotland has an unenviable reputation when it comes to alcohol. We are, sadly, world-class when it comes to damaging our health through heavy drinking.

"But that can change. Scotland led the way in the UK when it came to banning smoking in public places and I believe we must also lead the way in introducing a minimum price for alcohol.

"Minimum pricing, as part of a package of wider measures, can help us to redress the balance when it comes to our unhealthy relationship with alcohol."