‘No clear evidence that Scotland’s MUP led to reduced alcohol consumption’

A flagship SNP health policy minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol failed to curb problem drinking but forced alcoholics to go without food, a recent study has claimed, stating that there is “no clear evidence” the policy dissuaded alcoholics from drinking.

Scotland became the first country in the world to introduce minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol, currently fixed at 50p per unit.

According to a report in The Telegraph, researchers from Sheffield and Newcastle universities found “no clear evidence” that the policy dissuaded alcoholics from drinking.

In some cases, heavy drinkers spent up to 29 per cent less on food, utility bills and other items, according to data collected from 100,000 participants, stated the report, adding that the average total spending on alcohol among this group increased by nearly 30 per cent, rising from £83 to £107 per week. 

“There is no clear evidence that this (MUP) led to reduced alcohol consumption or changes in the severity of alcohol dependence among people drinking at harmful levels.

“There is some evidence it increased financial strain among some economically vulnerable groups.”

The report adds there was no “clear evidence” the policy led to an increase in criminality and drug use. 

The report, published by Public Health Scotland, revealed those with alcohol dependence “received little support or information before the policy was rolled out”.

The Institute of Economic Affairs, a free market think tank, said the findings would be the “final nail in the coffin of minimum unit pricing”.

Prof John Holmes from the University of Sheffield, who led the overall study, said that although MUP was effective in reducing overall sales, those with alcohol dependence responded “in very different ways”.

“Some reduced their spending on other things but others switched to lower strength drinks or simply bought less alcohol.

“It is important that alcohol treatment services and other organisations find ways to support those who do have financial problems, particularly as inflation rises,” he said.