Scots are facing an eye-watering 30 per cent hike in minimum alcohol prices, it was confirmed today.
The minimum cost per unit is set to soar from 50p to 65p in September after the SNP claimed the policy is helping ease health impacts.
The increase means a bottle of Scotch whisky will cost at least £18.20, compared to a floor of £14 currently.
The lowest possible price of a 500ml can of 4 per cent strength lager is set to rise from £1 to £1.30.
At present wine containing ten units of alcohol can be sold for £5, but that figure will now be at least £6.50.
Critics complained that the dramatic boost in prices will hit responsible drinkers during a cost of living crisis.
Meanwhile, Scottish ministers are also considering a new public health tax on retailers to claw back any extra profits they make from the higher prices.
The Scottish Retail Consortium branded the idea a ‘thinly veiled cash grab’ as the SNP administration struggles to balance its books.
The increase means a bottle of Scotch whisky will cost at least £18.20, compared to a floor of £14 currently
The minimum cost per unit is set to soar from 50p to 65p in September after the SNP claimed the policy is helping ease health impacts (file picture)
There are also disputes over the effectiveness of the policy, with alcohol deaths in Scotland still running at extremely high levels.
Deputy first minister Shona Robison confirmed the plans at Holyrood this afternoon. The minimum unit price has been at 50p since the rules were introduced in 2018.
Ms Robison said: ‘I can confirm it is our intention to lay draft orders before parliament to continue minimum unit pricing beyond April 30 and to set the price per unit at 65p.’
She said she noted concerns from some business groups, but so far there had not been a ‘significant impact’ on business.
The legislation contained a ‘sunset clause’ which meant it would have been ditched at the end of April this year without action.
Ms Robison said the plan was for the move to 65p to take place on September 30.
Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said minimum pricing – or MUP – was not a ‘miracle cure’.
‘As a practising GP, I am well aware of the plight of alcoholism in Scotland,’ he said. ‘However, it is clear that MUP is not reducing alcohol-related deaths as the SNP are claiming.
‘What is perhaps most concerning is the report from Public Health Scotland that highlighted that problem drinkers are choosing to skip meals in order to buy alcohol.
Deputy first minister Shona Robison (pictured right with Humza Yousaf) confirmed the plans at Holyrood this afternoon
‘I am deeply concerned that the deputy first minister did not address my concerns on the failure of MUP to reduce alcohol-related deaths and help dependent drinkers.’
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said the rise is ‘disappointing, especially during a cost-of-living crisis’.
She added: ‘The vast majority of people consume alcohol responsibly and this increase will put further pressure on strained household budgets.
‘We strongly advise the Scottish Government to reconsider the increase at this time and instead look towards targeted interventions which have a proven record in tackling alcohol misuse.’
Michael Matheson had been due to give the statement to Parliament after drugs and alcohol policy minister Elena Whitham quit the Government earlier this week for health reasons.
But with Mr Matheson having resigned as health secretary this morning in the wake of an ongoing row over his iPad roaming charges, Ms Robison stepped into the confirm the hike.
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