The Scottish government has published legislation which, if passed, will see minimum alcohol pricing introduced as part of an attempt to reduce consumption north of the border.
Holyrood health secretary Nicola Sturgeon claimed the proposals would primarily target beverages consumed by “problem drinkers” and suggested they would force some consumers to reconsider their alcohol intake. Official estimates indicate the impact of alcohol consumption costs each Scottish adult £900 per year.
“I hope that this time around MSPs will do the right thing and back this policy that has the support of doctors, nurses, the police and growing numbers of the general population,” she said. “I will not shirk from leading the way in addressing this challenge. It is time for Scotland to win its battle with the booze.”
Ms Sturgeon’s proposal came after finance secretary John Swinney announced plans to impose a new levy on large retailers’ sales of alcohol and tobacco, citing the need to invest in public health initiatives in the face of Westminster cutbacks.
The Scottish Retail Consortium has criticised what it claims is Mr Swinney’s refusal to carry out an impact assessment to determine the impact of the tax on Scotland’s retail sector.
