NEW REPORT EXPOSES CHEAP ALCOHOL COSTS

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has commented on a new report by Health Scotland which exposes the scale and amount of cheap alcohol available in Scotland.

The report which shows two thirds of alcohol in Scotland is purchased as off-sales rather than in pubs and clubs shows that over half of that alcohol is sold at less than 40 pence per unit.

Commenting on the report Mr. McMillan said;

"The amount of alcohol on sale in Scotland at less than 40p per unit is just staggering and ultimately worrying.

"With so much alcohol being bought at off sales and so much of it being bought cheaply this report adds to the argument that price has an essential role in controlling levels of alcohol consumption and that right now the price is too low.

"It also makes clear that addressing the drinking culture in pubs and clubs in Inverclyde will only ever be part of the solution while so much alcohol is available so easily and cheaply in our supermarkets.

"Sales figures show people are buying more of their alcohol in off sales so we must make an impact there to bring about any real change in our drinking levels.
"When Parliament returns to consider minimum pricing in September I hope other parties will consider this evidence very closely".