45p floor price 'to save 63 lives'

Jan 31 2012

Revised research into minimum alcohol pricing has found that charging 45p per unit would save 63 lives in the first year.

The University of Sheffield looked again at the SNP policy, assessing the likely impact of legislation aimed at tackling unhealthy drinking habits. Academics found that the floor price, coupled with an off-trade discount ban already in place, would save an estimated 327 lives in year 10.

The university report estimated that hospital admissions would reduce by about 6,600 a year, while the NHS would save £22 million annually. The research suggests a cut in crime by 3,600 offences, of which 540 are violent.

It also estimates a reduction of 36,500 days absence per year in the workplace.

The new paper was published on the final day of the Scottish Parliament's scrutiny of the SNP administration's Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill. The legislation failed to win support under the previous minority SNP Scottish Government but is expected to be passed this year under the re-elected majority administration.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, who appeared before the Health and Sport Committee to answer questions on the issue, said: "There is a clear link between the price of alcohol and consumption levels which is why we always intended to introduce a minimum price alongside the quantity discount ban.

"The support in favour of minimum pricing is now overwhelming and I hope that this time around Scotland's MSPs will do the right thing and back this policy.

"Doctors, nurses, the police, academics and politicians, as well as growing numbers of the general population, have now recognised the harm that alcohol is doing to our communities and the benefit minimum pricing will bring, saving lives and reducing crime."

The Sheffield team first looked into the policy in 2009. In both cases they assessed the impact of prices between 25p and 70p per unit.

Ms Sturgeon has not disclosed her preferred floor price but 45p has always been used to illustrate the proposal.