News
21 July 2010
Real price of Scotland’s off-trade alcohol revealed by study
Two reports published by NHS Health Scotland today show the extent of cheap alcohol sales in Scotland.
An updated report on alcohol sales over the five years 2005-09 confirms that adults in Scotland buy on average 24% more alcohol than the rest of Britain – that’s roughly equivalent to two pints of beer or two 175ml glasses of wine extra per person per week – and the gap has continued to widen.
It also shows that the average price of alcohol is £1.31 per unit in bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels which account for 32% of all drink sold, but only 43p per unit in the off-trade, which accounts for 68% of sales.
The second report, looking in detail at off-sales prices, reveals just how much cheap alcohol is sold in Scotland.
In the off-trade overall, 16% was sold at less than 30p per unit of alcohol, 51% at below 40p, and 77% below 50p.
But some types of drink can be bought much more cheaply than others; 59% of vodka was sold at less than 35p per unit of alcohol whilst 26% of cider sold for less than 20p per unit.
Dr Laurence Gruer, Director of Public Health Science at NHS Health Scotland said:
“We know there are strong links between lower price and increased consumption - and between increased consumption and more alcohol-related problems of all sorts. In recent years, alcohol from off-sales has become relatively cheaper, encouraging many more people to drink harmful amounts. For example, at 20p per unit, just £4.40 will buy enough cider to exceed the maximum recommended weekly amount for a man or £3.00 for a woman.
“These findings underline the need for action on cheap off-sales alcohol in Scotland. It’s by no means the only action needed, but the research shows clearly that nothing else is as effective as raising the price of alcohol.”