Further Confirmation Policy is Life-Saving
The latest published research from Public Health Scotland concludes that the Scottish Government policy of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) for alcohol sales has saved lives, reduced hospital admissions and had a ‘positive impact’ on health.
In their final report of a series, researchers said that ‘robust, independent evaluation’ and the best-available, wide-ranging evidence – drawing on 40 independent research publications – showed that MUP has been effective in its main goal of reducing alcohol harm, with the reduction in deaths and hospital admissions specific to the timing of MUP implementation.
This follows a study published in March by PHS and University of Glasgow showing MUP reduced alcohol consumption by 3%, cut deaths directly caused by alcohol consumption by 13.4%, and lowered hospital admissions by 4.1% compared to what would have happened if MUP had not been in place.
Back when the policy was introduced to Parliament, Scottish Labour mounted a campaign against it, with Jackie Baillie MSP repeatedly talking down the initiative. The opposition of the Tories and Labour resulted in a delay to the eventual introduction of MUP.
Scottish Labour’s position at the time was that Scotland should wait on action to be taken “across the whole of the UK“, but 13 years on the policy is still to be implemented in England.
Further confirmation of the impact of this key public health policy is very welcome indeed.
GRAEME
The findings reflect poorly on the opposition parties which opposed and delayed minimum unit pricing, in what could certainly be interpreted as opposition for the sake of opposition.
If the SNP had waited for Westminster to act, we would still be waiting and a great many lives would not have been saved.
This Scottish Government recognises, however, that there is more to be done and is determined to continue to reduce the alcohol-related harm in our communities.
We’re determined to do all we can to reduce alcohol-related harm and, as this research demonstrates, our world-leading policy is saving lives, reducing alcohol harms and hospital admissions. Just one life lost to alcohol-related harm is one too many and my sympathy goes to all those who have lost a loved one.
DRUGS & ALCOHOL POLICY MINISTER, ELENA WHITHAM
MUP has also contributed to reducing health inequalities. The study found the largest reductions in deaths and hospital admissions wholly attributable to alcohol consumption were seen in men and those living in the 40% most deprived areas.
We know that additional support is needed for some groups, including those dealing with alcohol dependence and issues such as homelessness. That’s why, alongside MUP, last year £106.8 million was made available to Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships to support local and national initiatives. We will now carefully consider this research as part of ongoing work on reviewing MUP.
