Minimum Alcohol Pricing for Scotland – Calculator
(Updated September 30th 2024)
Scottish Minimum Price Calculator
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Alcohol Price Increase Scotland 2024
Scotland’s minimum alcohol unit pricing policy has undergone adjustments in 2024 to address inflation and strengthen the fight against alcohol-related harm. The increase in the minimum unit price is aimed at further reducing excessive alcohol consumption, improving public health outcomes, and decreasing societal costs related to alcohol misuse.
As of 2024, the minimum unit price (MUP) per unit of alcohol has increased from 50p to 65p, reflecting a significant policy shift. This change impacts the cost of various alcoholic beverages, particularly low-cost, high-strength drinks, which are most affected by MUP regulations.
Why Was the Increase Implemented?
The Scottish Government reviewed the policy and found that the original 50p MUP, introduced in 2018, needed updating to account for economic changes and to enhance its effectiveness. The adjustment is part of a broader commitment to reducing alcohol-related deaths and hospital admissions.
Comparison of Alcohol Prices (2023 vs 2024)
The table below illustrates how the 2024 increase in minimum alcohol unit pricing affects common alcoholic beverages:
| Drink Type | Volume (ml) | Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | Units of Alcohol | Price in 2023 (50p MUP) | Price in 2024 (65p MUP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lager (4% ABV, 500ml) | 500 | 4% | 2 | £1.00 | £1.30 |
| Wine (13% ABV, 750ml) | 750 | 13% | 9.75 | £4.88 | £6.34 |
| Cider (6% ABV, 2L) | 2000 | 6% | 12 | £6.00 | £7.80 |
| Whisky (40% ABV, 700ml) | 700 | 40% | 28 | £14.00 | £18.20 |
| Vodka (37.5% ABV, 1L) | 1000 | 37.5% | 37.5 | £18.75 | £24.38 |
Has Minimum Alcohol Pricing in Scotland Worked?
Scotland’s Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) policy, introduced in 2018, was designed to reduce alcohol-related harm by setting a minimum price per unit of alcohol. The policy has been extensively studied, with emerging evidence highlighting both its successes and challenges. In 2024, the MUP was increased from 50p to 65p per unit, prompting further analysis of its impact.
Effectiveness of MUP Since 2018
-
Reduction in Alcohol-Related Deaths and Hospitalisations
Studies by Public Health Scotland found a 10.2% reduction in alcohol-specific deaths and a 4% drop in hospital admissions for alcohol-related conditions during the first year of MUP implementation. This demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing alcohol-related harm (source – pdf). -
Decline in Alcohol Sales
Research from the NHS Scotland MESAS programme revealed a 3.5% decrease in off-trade alcohol sales per adult since MUP was introduced, with the greatest reductions in high-strength, low-cost alcohol products (source). -
Targeting High-Risk Drinkers
Evidence published in The Lancet Public Health shows that MUP has been most effective among harmful drinkers, particularly those in lower-income groups, who consumed 1.2 fewer units of alcohol per week on average (source). -
Broader Public Support
A survey by Alcohol Focus Scotland found that 49.8% of Scots support MUP, recognising its role in addressing the public health crisis caused by alcohol (source).
Challenges and Criticism
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Economic Impact on Low-Income Households
Some critics argue that MUP disproportionately affects low-income households, potentially forcing harmful drinkers to divert spending from essentials like food and housing to maintain their alcohol consumption. -
Cross-Border Alcohol Purchases
Reports suggest increased alcohol sales in northern England as Scots cross the border to buy cheaper alcohol, undermining MUP’s impact on consumption. -
Mixed Industry Reception
The Scotch Whisky Association and other industry groups have raised concerns about the policy’s economic impact on producers and retailers of budget alcoholic beverages.
Impact of the 2024 Price Increase
The increase in MUP to 65p per unit in 2024 represents a significant adjustment, reflecting inflationary pressures and the need to strengthen the policy’s impact on public health. Early indications suggest several key implications:
Enhanced Public Health Benefits
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Greater Reduction in Harmful Drinking
Modelling by Public Health Scotland suggests the 65p MUP could reduce alcohol-related deaths by 13.4% over 32 months and further decrease alcohol-related hospitalisations (source). -
Focus on Health Inequalities
By targeting cheap, high-strength alcohol, the new price level is expected to have the greatest impact on harmful drinkers in low-income groups, potentially narrowing health inequalities.
Economic and Social Challenges
-
Financial Strain on Vulnerable Groups
While reducing alcohol consumption, the higher price may increase financial stress for individuals reliant on alcohol. Enhanced support through addiction recovery services is essential to address this issue effectively. -
Cross-Border Sales and Policy Evasion
The price increase could exacerbate cross-border shopping trends, especially near the England-Scotland border. Public Health Scotland plans to monitor these trends in upcoming evaluations.
Early Evidence and Future Monitoring
Public Health Scotland will release an updated evaluation report in 2025, including new insights on alcohol consumption trends, health outcomes, and economic impact.
Minimum Unit Pricing Calculator: How It Works
The Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) Calculator determines the cost of alcoholic beverages by applying the minimum price per unit of alcohol, currently set at 65p per unit in Scotland (as of 2024). The calculator uses the following formula to compute the price:
Cost = Minimum Price Per Unit × Alcohol Units in the Beverage
Understanding Alcohol Units
Alcohol units are calculated using the formula:
Alcohol Units = (Volume (ml) × ABV (%)) ÷ 1000
- Volume: The size of the drink in millilitres (ml).
- ABV: The strength of the drink expressed as a percentage.
Example Calculations
Beer
Details: 500ml bottle, ABV 5%
Calculation:
- Alcohol Units = (500 × 5) ÷ 1000 = 2.5 units
- Minimum Price = 2.5 × £0.65 = £1.63
A 500ml bottle of beer with 5% ABV must cost at least £1.63.
Wine
Details: 750ml bottle, ABV 12.5%
Calculation:
- Alcohol Units = (750 × 12.5) ÷ 1000 = 9.375 units
- Minimum Price = 9.375 × £0.65 = £6.09
A 750ml bottle of wine with 12.5% ABV must cost at least £6.09.
Gin
Details: 700ml bottle, ABV 40%
Calculation:
- Alcohol Units = (700 × 40) ÷ 1000 = 28 units
- Minimum Price = 28 × £0.65 = £18.20
A 700ml bottle of gin with 40% ABV must cost at least £18.20.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The available evidence suggests that Minimum Unit Pricing has had a positive impact on public health in Scotland, with measurable reductions in alcohol-related harm. However, the policy is not without its challenges, including economic concerns and questions about long-term effectiveness.
Future evaluations should continue to monitor the policy’s outcomes and refine its implementation, ensuring that its benefits are maximised while addressing unintended consequences.