Minimum alcohol pricing: Problem drinkers turn to spirits – study

In the survey of the 138 problem drinkers, only a small number said the increase in the price had reduced the amount they were drinking.

The research states that “contrary to the policy’s goal of reducing drinking amongst hazardous and harmful drinkers, many respondents reported no change or even an increase in their intake, as stronger drinks are often the most economical”.

Many drinkers told researchers that it had “pushed dependent drinkers toward stronger alcoholic beverages, especially vodkas”.

“Some have continued to maintain or even to increase their consumption despite the policy, which was intended to reduce consumption,” the researchers write.

One drinker said: “The unit price has made weak beer too expensive. So I switched to harder stuff for more bang for my buck”.

Another said: “The only effect that minimum pricing has had is to make my drinking worse.

“I can’t have my [white cider brand name], which fills you up dead quick and makes you too bloated to drink anymore.

“You have to end up switching to wine, which is all stronger.

“Then you think ‘Whisky’s the same price’, and you end up with a bottle of whisky.

“Then once you start on the whisky you have a bottle a day, then you’re on two bottles a day.”