Joint report reveals need for minimum unit pricing

Uniting across regional and national boundaries, Our Life, Balance-the North East Alcohol Office, Alcohol Focus Scotland and Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems have today published a report showing that minimum unit pricing is needed now more than ever as alcohol continues to be sold at pocket money prices.

Launched on the same day as the Scottish Government has reintroduced its plan for minimum alcohol pricing, The Four Steps to Alcohol Misuse report reveals prices are still so low that a unit of alcohol is being sold for as little as 16p in the North West. This means a man can drink at his recommended daily limit (3-4 units) for just 64p and weekly limit for just £3.36; and a woman can drink at her daily limit (2-3 units) for just 48p - less than the price of a can of leading cola - or weekly limit for £2.24.

It is the first time agencies have joined forces to collectively expose the dangerously low prices at which alcohol is being sold in those areas that can least afford it.

North West communities in particular continue to be disproportionately subject to alcohol harm in all its forms - crime, anti-social behaviour, liver disease, high blood pressure and more. A hard-pressed pub trade and mounting public concern at the negative impact of cheap alcohol all strengthen the case for action.

Although the report acknowledges the importance of education and informed personal choice - many now believe minimum unit pricing is the ‘missing tool in the box' in tackling alcohol harm.
With no corresponding English legislation, there is also a very real concern that areas of the North West will face a ‘Calais effect' with booze cruises heading across the border to take advantage of our cheaper alcohol.

The UK Government has rejected the idea of a minimum unit price, and instead has backed the introduction of a ban on the sale of alcohol below the price of duty plus VAT. However, The Four Steps to Alcohol Misuse reveals that this measure has been set so low that it will only marginally increase the price of just two of the hundreds of products surveyed and will have no impact in tackling binge drinking and the rising tide of public order and health harms.

Should it be passed, the Scottish bill would increase the price of the strongest, cheapest alcohol in a move to reduce consumption, particularly among younger and heavier drinkers. A minimum unit price would have little impact on moderate drinkers or on the price of a pint in the pub.

The report recommends that the Government needs to take control of the situation and help people across the North West, and the rest of the UK, to make the right choices that will improve their lives and the lives of those around them and reduce the burden of very cheap alcohol both sides of the border.

For more information download: Four Steps to alcohol misuse: how the industry uses price, place, promotion and product design to persuade us that too much alcohol is not enough