The article discusses the impact of alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP) in Scotland, with critics highlighting an increase in alcohol related deaths since the policy was introduced. However, the final evaluation report concluded that MUP had a positive effect on population level health outcomes and reduced alcohol related health inequalities. Data showed that approximately 150 alcohol specific deaths were prevented each year due to MUP, with the most significant reductions seen in males and those living in deprived areas. Comparisons between Scotland and England’s alcohol specific death rates post-MUP implementation supported the benefits of the policy. Public Health Scotland recommends continuing MUP beyond April 2024 to further prevent alcohol related harm in Scotland.
Source link
Recent estimates of alcohol specific deaths support alcohol minimum unit pricing
