The minimum unit price of alcoholic drinks in Scotland is expected to rise by 30%, new reports suggest.
Ministers are expected to confirm that the minimum unit price for alcohol will increase from 50p to 65p from early May, according to the reports.
As a result, the minimum cost of a standard bottle of whisky in Scotland will be pushed from £14 to £18.20, vodka to £16.90, and a four-pack of basic lager to £4.58.
Public Health Scotland said last year that minimum unit pricing had been “associated” with a 13.5% fall in deaths wholly attributable to alcohol, compared with the expected death rate had minimum pricing not been in force.
However, Scotland has experienced a 25% rise in alcohol-related deaths in the past three years, while the number of people using alcohol treatment services has fallen by 40% over the past decade.
In September, the Scottish government launched a consultation on increasing the minimum unit price of alcohol after campaigners called for a change.
Meanwhile, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association is planning to call this week for minimum pricing to be scrapped entirely, arguing that it is an ineffective or unfair way to combat alcohol abuse, and unjustifiable during a cost-of-living crisis.
