A MINIMUM price for alcohol could help save hundreds of lives a year, academics claimed yesterday.
The policy will also mean alcohol-related illness and crime will be reduced, according to a study by Sheffield University.
The Scottish Government, which commissioned the study, is considering the measure in an attempt to bring about a culture change in Scotland’s relationship with drink. Ministers have not yet said what the proposed minimum price will be but 40p per unit has been used as an illustration.
According to the study, which is being published in full today, this figure, coupled with a ban on promotions, will see alcohol-related deaths fall by about 70 in the first year of the policy, then by about 370 every year after about 10 years.
A minimum alcohol price will also lead to 30,000 fewer absence days from work a year, the study claims.
The greatest impact of minimum pricing should be on heavy drinkers who tend to buy cheaper, high-strength products such as white cider.
Moderate drinkers will barely be affected, the academics say.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday: “It’s now widely recognised that excessive alcohol consumption across society, fanned by rock-bottom pricing, is one of the biggest threats to Scottish public health.
“We are already using all the powers at our disposal to tackle problem drinking, from banning irresponsible happy hour-type promotions and nationwide test purchasing to catch rogue retailers, to substance misuse education in our schools and awareness-raising campaigns on the dangers of too much drink.
“But it’s clear that to bring about a real, lasting culture change we’ve got to be bolder. That’s why the Scottish Government is bringing forward a radical package of measures in the Alcohol Bill.”
Chief medical officer Harry Burns said: “All the evidence suggests that if you want to reduce alcohol-related harm, you need to look at price and availability, which are the key drivers of consumption.
“I’ve got to admit that initially I was sceptical about minimum pricing, but when you look at the facts it becomes a no-brainer.”
Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said: “The reality is that for people with real alcohol problems, this measure will have no effect at all. They will simply spend less money on other things.
“Instead of targeting those harmful drinkers, minimum pricing hits everyone.”
Aberdeen councillor and licensing board member Bill Cormie welcomed the move for minimum pricing.
He said: “I think it is a great move by the government but it has been a long time coming. I think it’s every parent’s nightmare to think that their children are able to get their hands on very cheap and very strong alcohol.
“I have seen what this can cause in the community, such as vandalism, but the main concern is for people’s health.
“With figures stating this can save up to 400 people’s lives every year then it really is a good thing and has to be welcomed. The Scottish Government should be congratulated on this.”