Abstract
The irrefutable consequence of Scottish excessive alcohol consumption has prompted implementation and proposal of alcohol policy measures. The purpose of this study is to explore with heavy drinkers their awareness of and identify potential implications of policy introducing alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP). Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with drinkers with alcohol-related harm ( n = 20; 15 males, five females; aged 34 to 67 years old) in Scotland’s two largest cities (drinkers were participants within a larger quantitative study, through attendance for treatment for alcohol-related harms at National Health Service [NHS] centers). Median weekly consumption among participants was 130.7 units (range: 28-256.3 U.K. units). Views regarding the impact of increased alcohol prices, through MUP, were mixed. While some drinkers indicated potential reduction in intake, thus possibly reducing alcohol harms in the long term, the expected, or even desired, from a public health perspective, effects on consumption and associated harms might not be fully realized in this group. To mitigate possible unintended short-term detrimental effects of MUP on the most vulnerable, careful planning and appropriate resourcing may be required prior to implementation.
Highlights
The personal, social, and economic cost of alcohol consumption in Scotland has been estimated to be approximately £7.5 billion per year (Johnson, Ludbrook, & Jaffray, 2012), and while rates of associated health problems and mortality overall have been reducing in the past 10 years, they continue to surpass those of the rest of the United Kingdom (Beeston et al, 2013)
In an attempt to mitigate the effects of low cost and accessible alcohol, acknowledged by the Health First evidence-based alcohol strategy (University of Stirling, Alcohol Health Alliance, British Liver Trust, 2013) to be two key drivers facilitating excessive alcohol consumption, the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010 was implemented in October 2011 (Scottish Parliament, 2010)
In light of the recent policy measures proposed by the Scottish Government, this study interviewed heavy drinkers to elicit their views regarding the cost of alcohol in Scotland, explore their awareness of increases in alcohol price, and opinions regarding implications of minimum unit pricing (MUP) should it be implemented, at a personal and wider level
Summary
The personal, social, and economic cost of alcohol consumption in Scotland has been estimated to be approximately £7.5 billion per year (Johnson, Ludbrook, & Jaffray, 2012), and while rates of associated health problems and mortality overall have been reducing in the past 10 years, they continue to surpass those of the rest of the United Kingdom (Beeston et al, 2013). (Scotland) Act 2010 was implemented in October 2011 (Scottish Parliament, 2010). This legislation banned quantity discounts plus other alcohol promotions in off-sales premises (outlets licensed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises). Nakamura et al (2013) found that banning alcohol multi-buy promotions (primarily for beer, cider, and wine) in Scotland did not reduce alcohol purchasing in the short term, and suggested that wider regulation of price promotion and price would be required
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