Dr Bernie Scott, deputy chair of BMA Scotland, said: “It is now four years since Scotland introduced minimum unit pricing for alcohol – which was a really important moment in tackling the impact of alcohol abuse in Scotland and followed years of campaigning and legal struggles. Since the introduction we have seen some positive effects in reducing alcohol-related hospital admissions and deaths, but there is no doubt the world is now a very different place. It’s abundantly clear we still have some way to go in truly shifting the country’s relationship with alcohol, especially in the wake of the pandemic. On that basis, BMA Scotland believes that now simply must be the time to review the current minimum unit price and we have supported calls to raise the minimum unit price to 65p which research shows could save twice as many lives as the current unit price. We’ve come a long way in our efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm - we cannot become complacent and instead have to now go further in implementing long-term changes to improve the health of people in Scotland.”

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.