INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS BACK ALCOHOL ACTION

INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS BACK ALCOHOL ACTION

The SNP has welcomed a letter issued to all MSPs today from four international experts in alcohol and alcohol related harm which endorses the Scottish Government’s approach to tackling the problems of alcohol through a range of measures including addressing the problems of cheap alcohol through minimum pricing.

Writing to all MSPs the three Professors from Australia, New Zealand, the USA and adviser to the World Health Organisation refer to positive experience of measures involving price around the world and measures being introduced to tackle alcohol problems in other countries.

“Overall, the evidence of effectiveness of price increases in reducing alcohol consumption is very strong. There is therefore good reason to believe that minimum pricing will reduce the amount of drinking, particularly the hazardous drinking, that is linked to cheap alcohol.”

The letter continues to state:

“Controls on the price and availability of alcohol are known to be two of the most effective means of alleviating alcohol-related problems. Establishing a minimum price for a unit of alcohol is an innovative measure responding to widespread concern about the availability and use of very cheap forms of alcohol, particularly amongst vulnerable groups of drinkers.”

And points to the problems of previous efforts to tackle irresponsible alcohol consumption;

“Weak policy measures, such as education and ‘responsible drinking’ campaigns, have failed to prevent a rise in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related death and disability.”

Commenting on the letter SNP MSP and Health Committee member Michael Matheson said:

“Countries around the world are using price to address the problem of excessive consumption of alcohol.

“The Scottish Government’s proposal has received backing from a wide range of health, justice and industry organisations including the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, the BMA and RCN, the Association of Chief Police Officers and producers such as Tennents.

“Support from four eminent experts in the field from around the world is welcome and I hope as the bill continues its passage through Parliament MSPs of all parties will listen to the views of these experts and the others that come before them.”