TODAY, the eyes of the world will once again be on Scotland as we implement a minimum price for alcohol of 50 pence per unit.
This legislation – a world-first - will help us tackle the complex public health issues we face in Scotland as a result of excess alcohol consumption.
Read more: Cancer expert says alcohol should carry cigarette -style warning labels
Scotland’s relationship with the demon drink is a long and troubled one, and the statistics speak for themselves. Alcohol misuse causes around 700 hospital admissions and 22 deaths each week. Behind every one of these statistics is a person, a family, a community struggling with the impact of alcohol abuse.
Last year, UK chief medical officers published new alcohol guidelines, recommending that both men and women drink no more than 14 units per week.
In Scotland, those 14 units can currently be bought for only £2.52.
The research is clear – alcohol consumption and harm go hand in hand, and the links between the two run deep. Minimum pricing is the best way to tackle the cheap, high strength alcohol that causes so much damage to so many families.
Read more: Cancer expert says alcohol should carry cigarette -style warning labels
So the answer to why we are doing this is simple. We need to change our relationship with alcohol to save lives
Scotland’s action is bold and it is brave, and once again we are leading the way in introducing innovative solutions to public health challenges.
Indeed, both Wales and Ireland are following our lead and working to introduce minimum pricing.
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Given alcohol is an epidemic faced right across the UK we stand ready to share our experience in delivering this responsible, forward-thinking policy with any other government, that is ready to take action.
It’s been a long journey since the Scottish Parliament agreed to pass this policy in 2012 but I am determined that Scotland will win our battle with alcohol misuse.
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