Balance welcomes raising of minimum unit price in Scotland
Balance has welcomed the raising of a minimum unit price in Scotland from 50p to 65p a unit.
The North East based program dedicated to reducing alcohol harm says evidence suggests such a move in England would help reduce deaths and hospital admissions from alcohol – with the biggest impact in the North East.
Sue Taylor, Head of Alcohol Policy for Balance said, “We are delighted to see yesterday’s vote by members of the Scottish Parliament, in favour of the continuation and uprating of Minimum Unit Price in Scotland.
“As an organisation based in the North East of England we have watched the positive impact of MUP in Scotland just over the border with huge interest and admiration. At a time when alcohol deaths in England and especially here in the North East are at an all-time high, we need similarly proactive and enlightened public health policies to reduce alcohol harm and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
Yesterday’s vote represents a major win for public health in Scotland. The evidence is clear that MUP has achieved its aim of tackling alcohol-related harm by both reducing population consumption and by targeting the consumption of people drinking at higher levels. It has also contributed to reducing alcohol-related health inequalities.
Alcohol is a group one carcinogen causing 7 types of cancer. At a time when life-expectancy is reducing in some areas – particularly more deprived communities, including those in the North East – we urgently need policies which address the key drivers of non-communicable diseases, like cancer and cardio-vascular disease. MUP has been shown to be such a policy and whilst it should be part of a wider package of measures to reduce alcohol consumption and harm, its introduction would be hugely welcome in England and of particular benefit to this region.”