Alcohol Scotland: Scottish Labour backs public health levy on alcohol sales separate to minimum-unit pricing

The comments from Scottish Labour come after Deputy First Minister Shona Robison’s draft budget said the Government would “explore the reintroduction” of such as tax

A public health levy on alcohol sales should be set to bolster treatment services, Scottish Labour has said.

The party says the levy could raise money for alcohol and drug partnerships around Scotland and help tackle deaths caused by alcohol issues.

Labour MSP Carol Mochan said the Scottish Government’s minimum unit pricing policy was leading to retailers bringing in extra revenue.

Large retailers could soon have to pay a new tax if they want to sell alcohol and tobacco. Picture: John Devlin

The Government had a previous policy of a public health supplement for large retailers who sell alcohol, but this ended in 2015.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison’s draft budget said the Government would “explore the reintroduction” of this tax.

Ms Mochan said: “Alcohol abuse remains a major health hazard in Scotland, with lives being lost as a result. Despite this, the SNP’s actions are allowing retailers to cash in on additional money from alcohol sales while frontline services are being cut.

“This is nothing short of a shameful failure of those most in need and a clear example of this Government’s skewed priorities.”

She added: “Minimum unit pricing is no silver bullet and without properly funded drug and alcohol partnerships, then more lives will be avoidably lost.

“Scottish Labour is repeating its long-standing call for the implementation of a public health levy so that services and those who need them get the support that they need.”

Alison Douglas, chief executive of campaign group Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: “Alcohol sales revenues have increased significantly in recent years and as a result retailers are likely making greater profits.

"At the same time, alcohol harm is on the rise, with deaths up by 25 per cent over the last three years and the impact felt throughout our NHS. Alcohol Focus Scotland and the NCD Alliance Scotland have been calling for an alcohol harm prevention levy so those who benefit from the sale of alcohol share the financial burden that they impose on society.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government is determined to do all we can to reduce alcohol-related harm and is working closely with Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and the third sector to do so.

“In 2022/23, £106 million was made available to ADPs, increasing to £112m in 2023/24. This funding is used to ensure that local services meet the needs of people who experience alcohol and drugs harms.

“The announcement in the Scottish Budget 2024/25 signalled the Scottish Government’s intent to explore the reintroduction of a Public Health Supplement. All relevant stakeholders will be consulted as part of that exploratory work.”