Minimum unit pricing for alcohol saves lives, so why is it not implemented more widely?

Key messagesFailure to implement minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol is a cause of preventable death, injury, and illnessMUP reduces alcohol consumption among heavy drinkers and those with alcohol dependence, disproportionally benefiting people with low incomesCurrent implementation of MUP is scarce, despite evidence that it can be a core component of comprehensive and effective alcohol policyFactors beyond empirical evidence influence policy decisions on the implementation of MUPMinimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol sets a price below which alcohol cannot be legally sold based on alcohol content. In Scotland, the price was set in 2018 at 50p per unit (8 g of alcohol)1 and will increase to 65p in September 2024.2 A major justification for MUP is to target cheaper, high strength alcohol, which is disproportionately purchased by people who drink heavily.1 MUP is one of a suite of alcohol pricing policies, including excise taxes,3 endorsed for implementation by all member…
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