“Minimum unit pricing for alcohol (MUP) was implemented in May 2018 at a rate of 50p per unit. The policy is subject to a sunset clause, which means it will lapse unless renewed by the Scottish Parliament by end of April 2024.
MUP remains an essential (but not the only) component of Scotland’s alcohol strategy to reduce our high levels of alcohol consumption and harm. However, the effect of 50p per unit has been significantly eroded by inflation since the legislation was passed in 2012. We, and many other organisations in the public health community and beyond are calling for the level of MUP to be uprated from 50p to 65p per unit. SHAAP would also like MUP to be automatically uprated to ensure alcohol does not become more affordable, and support calls for an alcohol harms levy on retailers.”
Read further from SHAAP (Scotland, February 2024)
Yesterday, February 8, 2024, The Scottish Government announced that they will “continue setting a minimum price per unit of alcohol and that an increase of 15p will go before the Scottish Parliament for approval.”
As part of a ‘sunset clause’ when Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) legislation was introduced in 2018, it will end on 30 April this year unless Parliament votes to keep it.
A price increase is required to counteract the effects of inflation and 65p has been selected as the Scottish Government seeks to increase the positive effects of the policy.
If Parliament agrees, it will take effect on 30 September 2024.
Alcohol Awareness 