Scots docs: minimum pricing essential
Top Scots docs believe the introduction of a minimum price on alcohol is "essential" to combating problems north of the border.
In a new report, the British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland said that there had been a 400% increase in the number of people with alcoholic liver disease since 1996. It also said that in 2006, an estimated 111,200 GP consultations in Scotland were for alcohol misuse.
It wants a minimum price based on alcoholic content, a restriction on promotions, compulsory labelling on all alcoholic products and for licensing boards to consider health consequences when granting licences.
"The introduction of minimum pricing is essential to stop retailers from selling alcohol at ridiculous prices, sometimes even cheaper than bottled water," said Dr Andrew Thomson.
"Supermarkets should be leading the way in promoting the public health message. It is unfortunate that their only interest is to make money through irresponsible promotions that encourage heavy drinking."
He added: "There is strong and consistent evidence that an increase in price will reduce consumption and BMA Scotland believes that this should form a central plank of any strategy to deal with alcohol misuse."
Scottish National Party plans for minimum pricing will be delayed for at least a year as they will now form part of a separate Health Bill and face proper scrutiny from MSPs.
The BMA report recommends:
• The introduction of minimum pricing based on alcohol content.
• Licensing boards should consider the public health consequences when considering applications for new licenses.
• All licensees should be encouraged to sign up to the Challenge 21 initiative.
• Promotional activities in on and off licensed premises should be strictly regulated
• Legislation for compulsory labelling of alcohol products should be introduced.
• The detection and management of alcohol misuse should be an adequately funded and resourced component of primary and secondary care.
