For immediate release:

LOCAL MSP HAILS SUCCESS OF MINIMUM UNIT PRICING POLICY

Research which estimates 156 deaths were averted each year following the implementation of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) has been welcomed by Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey.

A recent study by Public Health Scotland and University of Glasgow indicates a 13.4% reduction in deaths, and a 4.1% reduction in hospital admissions wholly attributable to alcohol consumption in the first two and a half years after MUP was introduced in May 2018.

The pricing policy was introduced in 2018 – after sustained parliamentary opposition and then legal efforts to block it – and put a minimum charge of 50p on each unit of alcohol.

The report also concludes the policy had reduced deaths and hospital admissions where alcohol consumption may have been a factor – suggesting there have been 411 fewer hospital admissions as a result of MUP.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“Minimum Unit Pricing is a world-leading policy and an important part of the action this Scottish Government is taking to tackle alcohol-related harm – and I am very pleased to see that it is having positive results.

“Given the importance of reducing inequalities across a number of public health areas, it is particularly heartening to see that the policy is having an effect in Scotland’s most deprived areas.

“The Scottish Government is determined to do all possible to reduce alcohol-related harm which is one of the most pressing public health challenges that we face in Scotland.”

ENDS