Minimum price of alcohol in Scotland rises by 30%

Some groups representing the off-licence trade have previously expressed opposition to any increase, but alcohol recovery charities have been supportive.

GMB Scotland, representing members across the drinks industry, warned that the policy was already risking jobs and investment and questioned its “unproven” health benefits.

The Federation of Independent Retailers warned that raising the minimum price could put retailers at an increased risk of alcohol being stolen.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said he was confident the scheme had saved hundreds of lives.

He said the price increase was due to inflation.

“Obviously by increasing it we would hope we would see a further improvement in the situation alongside the other aspects that we are looking at, including alcohol advertising and marketing,” Gray said.

Willie Rennie of the Scottish Liberal Democrats backed the move.

He said: “The original impact of minimum pricing has decreased over time as inflation has eaten away at the effectiveness of the policy.

“More than 20 people a week in Scotland die due to alcohol misuse. The opponents of minimum pricing need to explain what alternatives they are proposing to tackle the pressures that this imposes on our health and justice systems.”

Carol Mochan, Scottish Labour’s spokeswoman for Public Health, said frontline alcohol and drug services needed “proper resourcing” from the SNP to be effective.

She added: “Scottish Labour will consider any evidence-based plans to improve public health, but the SNP must acknowledge that there is no one silver bullet.”