Scots can consume weekly alcohol limit for £2.50, finds study
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The study by Alcohol Focus Scotland found that two and three litre cider bottles could be purchased from off-licences and supermarkets for between 18 and 24p per unit.
Scotland’s national alcohol charity checked the prices of cider, vodka, lager and wine in leading supermarkets and licensed convenience stores in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with cider coming out top of the list for getting the maximum alcohol for the cheapest price.
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Hide AdThe figures come as legal challenge to the Scottish Government’s plan for a minimum alcohol price is due to return to Scotland’s highest civil court.
Alcohol Focus Scotland previously carried out a price check in 2011 and the charity found little change in the price of the cheapest alcohol over the past five years.
Alison Douglas, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said:
“It is ridiculous that a toxic, carcinogenic product which causes so much harm can be sold so cheaply.
“£2.52 is the price of a takeaway coffee yet this can buy the weekly recommended alcohol limit of 14 units.
“The more affordable alcohol is, the more we drink and this means more alcohol-related hospital admissions, crime and deaths.
“A 50p minimum unit price is the most effective way to raise the price of the cheapest, strongest drinks which cause the most harm in Scotland.
“It is really disappointing that the Scotch Whisky Association’s legal action has delayed this policy for four years so far. This delay has undoubtedly cost lives.”
The cheapest products in each category were:
-Cider at 18p per unit
-Vodka at 36p per unit
-Lager at 26p per unit
-Wine at 32p per unit
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