Minimum pricing 'will have little effect on problem drinkers'

A study commissioned by a drinks retailer which claims the benefits of minimum pricing for alcohol had been "overestimated" has raised fresh questions over plans by the SNP to tackle alcohol abuse.

The study, published by the London-based Centre for Economics and Business Research, suggested that work being done by Sheffield University on the proposals had been "quite misleading", and said the measure would fail to reduce the health and social harm associated with alcohol.

If a minimum cost of 40p per unit were introduced, as is being considered by the Scottish government, harmful drinkers would reduce consumption by only one or two units a week, the report claimed. It also suggested that consumers will spend more than £80 million extra annually on alcohol as a result of the scheme.

However, Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish Health Secretary, dismissed the claims because the study was paid for by drinks firm SABMiller.

"It should surprise no-one that a study commissioned by a major international drinks firm should be critical of minimum pricing," she said.

Although alcohol misuse is estimated to cost Scotland more than £2.25 billion per year, the Nationalists' plans for implementing a minimum price for alcohol have been hugely divisive. Supporters believe it is the only way to tackle the nation's booze culture, but critics argue moderate drinkers would be punished, as would retailers.

Yesterday doctors joined with anti-alcohol campaigners to urge ministers to implement the proposals as quickly as possible.

Jack Law, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said moderate drinkers would barely be affected: "Setting a minimum price per unit of alcohol is effective precisely because it affects harmful drinkers who buy more alcohol and tend to choose the cheapest drinks such as strong white ciders.”

The calls were backed by Dr Peter Terry, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, who said "tough action" was needed in Scotland

"Evidence shows that heavy drinkers and young drinkers are particularly responsive to price,” he said.

However, Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the Wine and Spirits Trade Association, said the evidence for minimum pricing is "far from conclusive", and demanded that ministers work with opposition parties and the sector to find "real solutions".

Ms Sturgeon later announced that an alcohol summit is being planned for Edinburgh on June 22, bringing together cross-party politicians, health experts, academics, the alcohol industry and retailers.

Minimum pricing and putting a duty on local licensing boards to consider raising the age limit for off-sales purchases to 21 will be among the subjects for discussion.

The Scottish Government intends to bring forward the proposal in a Parliamentary Bill later this year.