Minimum alcohol pricing will target cheap supermarket products

5th November 2009, 1:38pm

A survey of supermarket drink prices has shown that minimum pricing will target cheap, high-strength products while leaving others, such as those already sold in pubs and clubs, untouched.

Ahead of a debate in Parliament today, the findings show how the policy would be an effective, targeted measure to reduce consumption among problem drinkers.

Since almost all drinks in pubs and clubs are already sold well above any likely minimum price, the measure will target the cheapest products sold in shops and supermarkets, where the majority of alcohol is now bought.

Comparing the lowest available supermarket prices for a representative selection of spirits, beers, ciders and wines with an illustrative 40p per unit minimum price, the results clearly demonstrate that the overwhelming majority would see no change to their price.

Key findings include:

• Nearly all recognised brands of Scotch whisky are already sold for more than the illustrative minimum price of £11.20

• The majority of large bottles of cheap white cider, which often have a high alcohol content, would see their prices rise, with some more than doubling

• The vast majority of recognised beer and wine brands favoured by responsible drinkers would see no change in their price

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "These figures shatter the myth that minimum pricing would punish responsible drinkers. The truth is that the great majority of drinks would see no price rise at all.

"In fact, it would be the high-strength products sold for rock-bottom prices and favoured by problem drinkers that would see their cost increase - in some cases more than doubling. Health experts say this would make the heaviest drinkers reduce their consumption."

Independent research from the University of Sheffield, published on September 28 this year, suggested that minimum pricing, combined with a ban on irresponsible off-sales promotions could save lives, reduce illness and cut crime, as well as reducing the burden on Scottish public services and the economy.

Related Articles:

• 02 Sep 2010 - Minimum alcohol price for Scotland to be set at 45p
• 26 Jul 2010 - £500 a pop and 55% alcohol – but BrewDog's beers sold out in four hours
• 08 Jan 2010 - Westminster MPs echo Scotland's backing of minimum pricing for alcohol
• 23 Nov 2009 - New whisky labelling and bottling laws come into effect
• 28 Sep 2009 - Reading Council asks pubs to curb ‘vertical binge drinking’
• 16 Mar 2009 - Prime Minister rejection of minimum alcohol pricing is 'hypocritical'
• 16 Mar 2009 - Minimum alcohol price plans to be unveiled
• 11 Nov 2008 - ALMR welcomes supermarket clampdown
• 22 Jul 2008 - Cheap booze for MPs while pubs struggle

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