Scottish alcohol deaths fall 10% in first full year of minimum unit pricing

The number of alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland per year has fallen by 10 per cent.

The number of alcohol-specific deaths has decreased by 10 per cent.

There were 1,020 alcohol-specific deaths in 2019, 116 fewer than the previous year.

The data from 2019 represents the first full year since minimum unit pricing (MUP) was introduced in May 2018.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services at National Records of Scotland, said the figures showed a “notable” fall in deaths due to alcohol.

"Since our records began in 1979, there have only been three other occasions where we have seen a reduction in the number of alcohol-specific deaths of around 10% or more in a single year,” he added.

Dr Whitehouse cautioned that further data will be needed to see if the reduction continues.

The reduction was welcomed by charities and campaign groups.

Alcohol Focus Scotland’s Chief Executive Alison Douglas said: “The evidence from the evaluation of MUP so far has shown that it is having the intended effect on alcohol consumption, and now it looks like we may be beginning to see this translate into health benefits.”

Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems said the organisation was “encouraged” by the decrease.

A spokesperson added: "However, this definition doesn't include deaths where alcohol is known to be a contributory factor such as deaths due to cancer, suicide and road accidents. There is still much work to be done to reduce alcohol-related harm and mortality in Scotland, which remains high.

“We look forward to building on the progress that these figures show in the coming years by advocating for the implementation of high-impact, effective and cost-effective strategies to continue reducing alcohol-related harm in Scotland.”

Dr Lewis Morrison, chair of BMA Scotland, said: “This is a welcome development, and the figures show that we are moving in the right direction when it comes to changing Scotland’s relationship with, and attitude towards, alcohol.

“We know there is still work to be done – but this is very encouraging for minimum unit pricing’s long-term strategy. The aim of minimum unit pricing was to change our country’s relationship with alcohol in the long-term and for generations to come, and these figures indicate that a better future for the nation’s health is achievable. It is important to remember this was never meant to be a quick fix method, and real change will take time.”

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