McMillan Welcomes Minimum Pricing Announcement

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that the proposed minimum price for alcohol will be set at 45p per unit.

The Scottish Government argue that introducing a minimum price of 45p per unit would have significant health and social benefits including, in the first year:

50 fewer deaths from alcohol-related harm
1,200 fewer hospital admissions
A £5.5 million reduction in health care costs
22,900 fewer days absence from work

After 10 years, benefits would increase to:

225 fewer deaths from alcohol-related harm annually
4,200 fewer hospital admissions annually
An £83 million reduction in health care costs over the 10 year period

Mr McMillan said;

"I strongly welcome the announcement by the Scottish Government that a minimum price on the unit sale of alcohol will be set at 45p per unit.

"Too many people in Scotland are affected by alcohol misuse and the problems it brings such as health deterioration and anti social behaviour.

"The support for the Scottish Government's proposals on alcohol continues to grow and the argument seems to be winning the day, throughout Scotland, that drastic action must be taken to address the problems this country faces

"Therefore, it's vital that the Scottish Government and politicians, of all political parties, work together in tackling this very real issue. I hope all politicians will put political differences aside and support the Alcohol (Scotland) Bill including the introduction of a minimum price."