Alcohol sales breakthrough can go even further
Clear evidence of a reduction of alcohol sales in Scotland thanks to minimum unit pricing policies should act as a springboard to examine the nation’s relationship with drink, according to the Scottish Greens.
The party’s health spokesperson Gillian Mackay said numbers showing a welcome three per cent net reduction in sales per adult since its introduction showed the policy was having a positive impact.
Other actions should be stepped-up, she said, to take full advantage of any changing habits, including booting alcohol advertising at sporting events such as football into touch.
Gillian Mackay MSP said:
“This positive and welcome new data from Public Health Scotland on the impact of minimum unit pricing is a clear indication that we are moving in the right direction by changing habits and protecting our nation’s health.
“We now need further consideration on how to build on these early signs of progress and strengthen this vital policy, which has reduced volumes of alcohol sales, particularly cheap high-strength alcohol.
“There is now also a clear new opportunity to join the dots and look towards how alcohol and other advertising such as gambling plays its part in the nation’s attitudes towards booze, and act to change that.
“Minimum unit pricing, coupled with action to stop people from being bombarded with alcohol advertising when they are going to watch their football team, a rugby match of other family friendly sports, should go hand in hand.
“These are important steps in addressing our nation’s relationship with alcohol and this new data which is to be welcomed and can hopefully be a springboard for further progress.”