Minimum Pricing in Scotland Dr Evelyn Gillan Chief Executive, Alcohol Focus Scotland AFS is Scotland’s national alcohol charity working to reduce the health and social harm caused by alcohol.

Alcohol Etc. (Scotland) Bill Minimum pricing Ban on quantity discounts in off-sales Restrictions on promotional activity in off-sales Provisions for social responsibility levy Provisions for local Boards re off sales to under 21s.

Policy Memorandum “The objective of minimum pricing is to protect and improve public health by reducing alcohol consumption.” “The Scottish Government considers that quantity discounts are contrary to the licensing objectives regardless of whether they apply to on-sales or off-sales.” “The objective of conditions on the location of drinks promotions is to help emphasise that alcohol is no ordinary commodity.” “Alcohol retailers and licensed premises whose activities can impact negatively on the wider community should contribute towards the cost of this impact.”

Current Situation MSPs have voted in favour of Bill proceeding to Stage 2. An amendment to remove minimum pricing has been lodged by the Conservatives. SNP Government requires the support of Liberal Democrats plus two Greens and one Independent to get minimum pricing approved. Ban on quantity discounts likely to go through.

Opposition to Minimum Pricing Sustained lobbying by some sectors of the industry against minimum pricing. Arguments used are that it is illegal; will penalise moderate drinkers; will disproportionately affect poorer people and cost jobs. Party political interest overtaking public health interest. Less effective alternatives being proposed i.e. ban on selling alcohol below the cost of duty and VAT.

Scientific Support for Minimum Pricing “There is extensive and consistent evidence that raising the price of alcohol reduces alcohol related harm.” [WHO Regional Office for Europe, September 2009] “Minimum pricing should be introduced to reduce alcohol consumption as part of a wider policy aimed at changing attitudes to alcohol.” [UK Health Committee Alcohol Inquiry January 2010] “There is extensive evidence (within the published literature and from the economic analysis undertaken to support this guidance) to justify the introduction of a minimum price per unit.” [National Institute for Clinical Excellence, 2010]

Growing the Evidence Base (1) [Findings from analysis of data from the Food and Expenditure Survey 2007 undertaken by Professor Anne Ludbrook, Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen] All income groups purchase low-price alcohol Lower income groups do not purchase more low-price alcohol than other income groups Low-income households are less likely to purchase any alcohol. Middle income groups appear to purchase most of the lowest price alcohol.

Growing the Evidence Base (2) [Findings from analysis of consumption patterns across different income groups, Analytical Services Division, Scottish Government, 2010] Low income drinkers are most likely to drink nothing, very little or very heavily. 23% of the lowest income group don’t drink at all compared to 7% in the most affluent group. 57% of the lowest income group drink on average 4.9 units per week. Those with the highest incomes are more likely to drink hazardously but harmful drinkers in the lowest income group drink significantly more than harmful drinkers in the highest income group.

Growing the Evidence Base (3) The overall approach a government takes to alcohol policy will impact on outcomes for children and young people. An alcohol policy formulated by public health interests will seek to reduce risk factors and strengthen protective factors. Policies that aim to reduce overall consumption in the population by imposing controls on price and availability are central to improving outcomes for children and young people. [Untold Damage 2009]

From Strategies to Action If reducing alcohol harm is the desired outcome – then policy advocacy in members states, in Europe and globally should stay focussed on alcohol control measures. Agree some key measures that we want action on i.e. price, availability and marketing. Learn from tobacco control movement about building effective advocacy coalitions.