As the Scottish Government consults on its flagship minimum unit pricing policy ahead of implementation on 1 May, licensing specialist Janet Hood reflects on the long-debated measure and considers whether it will have the desired affect on the nation’s health.
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by Janet Hood
Janet Hood Consulting specialises in licensing solutions including new licence applications, licence variations and transfers.
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The five-year trial
Social engineering by the Scottish Government continues with the short term, five-year trial of minimum pricing. It is unlikely the test period of five years will let us see what – if any – effect the measure has on Scotland’s relationship with alcohol, although it is to be hoped that the current trends continue. What is sure is that, as is permitted by law, the measure will be continued far beyond the initial period.
Alcohol-related harm is reducing
It is interesting to note the fact that Scots are drinking at least two litres less pure alcohol per annum than in 1999. Reduction in consumption has been recorded by the Scottish Government’s own statistics every year with a blip in the mid Noughties.
Scottish Government and UK statistics demonstrate that alcohol-related harm and crime is reducing, the latter by some 45% in Scotland. Young people from millennials onwards in particular are drinking far less than ever before. Health and fitness of the nation is improving. No-one can deny this is something of which we should all be proud and demonstrates that we have a less harmful relationship with alcohol than we had some 20 years ago.
This is in no small part thanks to the efforts of retailers and licensees across the country who have embraced the fact that they can make a difference by monitoring customers and selling alcohol responsibly.
Impact of MUP
Will this measure impact most on harmful or even hazardous drinkers, particularly those living in poverty? The Scottish Government certainly seem to think so. Having observed hazardous drinkers in both my personal and professional life I do not believe this will be the case. It is my experience that people living in dreadful housing, who depend on alcohol for relief from pain and to mask low self esteem generated by generations of joblessness, will continue to drink and even if the price of the unit is raised they will still make that spend before buying necessities – food, rent, heat, you name it – the alcohol or perhaps drugs will come first.
A middle-class concept
It is stated that minimum unit pricing is not a tax; it is a targeted way of making sure alcohol is sold at a sensible price. Surely the sensible price of anything depends on the amount of money you have not what it costs middle-income politicians. The alcohol to be targeted – cheap cider and own-brand spirits – will still be available.
Will any sector benefit from this measure?
Off-sales premises should see an increase in turnover so that has to be a benefit, especially to those with the greatest buying power, who cannot fail to win on shelf price increases.
Probably not for on-sales premises. If more money is spent on pre-loading there will be less money to spend in the pub.
There will certainly be no benefit to most harmful or hazardous drinkers who are unlikely to change their habits. I believe it might make “learner drinkers” think twice as the cost might make alcohol less of a choice.
As long as alcohol is available, some people will abuse it. I do not believe this measure alone will make everyone feel the economic and social benefits of the solution through healthier, happier, safer families and communities.
However, perhaps the message this measure sends will help through education.
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