It means a standard 750ml 13% bottle of wine cannot be sold for less than £4.88, a 700ml 40% bottle of whisky for £14 and two litres of 5% cider for £5.
The Scottish government has warned retailers there will be no period of grace and that if rules are broken licences could be removed.
Twenty-two people die from alcohol related illnesses in Scotland every week – a problem which costs Scotland’s health system more than £3bn annually.
There are already plans to introduce minimum alcohol pricing in Wales and Northern Ireland, while in England the Home Office says the policy will continue to remain under review “pending the impact of its implementation in Scotland”.
First of all, twenty-two people a week dying alcohol-related illnesses is far too many. So, based on that fact alone I’m going to say that it’s probably a good idea that they raise the price of booze. I don’t know if it’ll do anything considering that’s what the government tried to do with big tobacco but it’s definitely worth a shot. Having said that, if I’m a law-abiding Scotsman who doesn’t regularly drink himself into oblivion I am PISSED. It’s not the money that’s the issue, drinks are still roughly as expensive as they are in the US:
Vodka
Iceland – Glen’s Vodka, previous price £12.50 for 70cl, 26.3 UK Units – new minimum price £13.15
Sainsbury’s – Vodka Basics, previous price £10.75 for 70cl, 26.3 UK Units – new minimum price £13.15
Tesco – Imperial Vodka, previous price £5.75 for 35cl, 14 UK Units – new minimum price £7Whisky
Asda – Famous Grouse Whisky, previous price £12 for 70cl, 28 UK Units – new minimum price £14
Lidl – Glen Orchy Scotch Whisky, previous price £13.99 for 70cl, 28 UK Units – new minimum price £14
Tesco – Scots Club Blended Scotch Whisky, previous price £11 for 70cl, 28 UK Units – new minimum price £14
It’s the principle. It’s the fact that the Scottish government is setting a precedent for other countries to do the same. Right now, I’m pretty sure the only other nations/communities that do this are Native American and Inuit and both still have horrendous drinking problems. Some of them have banned alcohol altogether. I was watching Alaska State Troopers the other day and Simien caught a guy with a flask of vodka that he paid four-HUNDRED dollars for. I considered moving to Alaska and becoming a bootlegger for a solid five minutes after that scene.
Regardless, it’ll be interesting to see if the ban has any sort of effect on alcohol consumption or sales. I know in the US it wouldn’t. People in New York suck down $8 Bud Lights without thinking twice. Which I guess is becoming the new normal. Hopefully, the new law does more good than bad.
Obligatory Fat Bastard Mash Up: