Booze Britain

Your editorial (21 July) rightly recognises the need to address alcohol misuse. To deliver lasting improvement this requires analysis of why Scotland is different. Such analysis must move beyond simplistic interpretation that Scots drink more than rest of the UK.

Such comparisons mask regional differences. Other data show Scots drink less than in parts of England. Removal of the heaviest drinking region in Scotland reduces national consumption to modest levels. A targeted approach is therefore likely to have the greatest impact.

The government has trumpeted the success of Homecoming Scotland in attracting overseas visitors, yet no analysis of the impact of sales to tourists has been made before claiming that Scotland drinks more than England. Alcohol consumption has been stable in Scotland over the past five years.

Calls for trialling minimum pricing are not justified. The price of alcohol is similar across the UK, as is availability. This reinforces the need to address cultural issues. If price were of the significance claimed, the cheapest alcohol would account for a greater proportion of sales than the figures demonstrate. Consumers select drinks for many reasons unrelated to price.

Calls for minimum pricing ignore the legal obstacles. A floor price, apparently free from such legal constraints, could be established. The UK Government is reviewing excise duty and considering a ban on sales below cost. Banning sales below tax plus reforming duty so all drinks are taxed at the same rate according to alcohol content provides a UK-wide solution. A small step that could be delivered quickly while all stakeholders work together to secure long term cultural change.

CAMPBELL EVANS

Scotch Whisky Association