News
Scottish Health Committee backs minimum pricing
A minimum price for a unit of alcohol came one
step closer today with the publication of the Stage 1 report on the
Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill by the Health and Sport
Committee.
A reduction in harmful drinkers’ consumption and the
beneficial impact on public health, crime, public services, productivity
and the economy, were all cited by supporters of the Bill.
While a majority of the Committee believe the evidence
received was compelling and overwhelming, some members remain sceptical
about the efficacy of minimum pricing and believe a universal approach
may penalise moderate drinkers and those in lower income groups.
Committee Convener Duncan McNeil MSP said:
“Alcohol misuse is clearly one of Scotland’s biggest challenges in terms of our nation’s health.
"The Committee recognised that this Bill represents one
element in a range of measures to reduce Scotland’s alcohol consumption
and we look forward to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and
Cities Strategy announcing the level at which the minimum price is to be
set by the start of Stage 3 of the Bill.”
Committee Deputy Convener Bob Doris MSP said:
“The blight of harmful alcohol consumption has negatively impacted upon Scotland’s health, crime and economy for too long.
"International research and a range of health and economic
experts, together with the licensing trade, all support this Bill which
is a major step towards addressing Scotland’s relationship with
alcohol.”
Download a copy of the report click here. (pdf 1.1mb)