High minimum prices demanded for alcohol according to Scottish model

Recently, the minimum price law for alcohol in Scotland applies

The Scottish authorities report that the alcohol problem in Scotland is so great that groundbreaking action is needed. Since 1 May 2018, Scotland has set new minimum prices for all alcoholic beverages. Experts and health insurances now also demand a significant increase in alcohol prices in Germany. The Drug Commissioner of the Federal Government Marlene Mortler supports this demand. In their view, cheap alcoholic beverages have nothing to do with enjoyment.

The government in Scotland has regulated the pricing of alcoholic beverages given the link between consumption and harm and the fact that affordability of alcohol is one of the main drivers of increased consumption. Compared with the year 1980, the alcohol in Scotland today 60 percent cheaper, so the official release. According to government figures, it is possible to exceed the maximum level considered harmful for less than three euros.

Search experts and politicians are currently discussing the introduction of a minimum price for alcoholic beverages based on the Scottish model. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

Strong international evidence

The Scottish Government speaks of strong international evidence that raising the price can help reduce alcohol consumption and associated harm. However, this is only one part of the package of measures against high alcohol consumption, the Scottish Government explains on its website.

How does a minimum price for alcohol work??

Authorities report that, according to various studies, a minimum unit price has emerged as the most effective option. Accordingly, a minimum price should be determined for alcoholic beverages according to the containing alcohol content. An example is the cheap bag wine, which is already available for about one Euro to buy and contains a relatively high amount of alcohol. Under the new law, this article must meet a minimum price per unit of alcohol contained. The more alcohol a drink contains, the stronger it is and the more expensive it will be.

What does the government expect from this measure??

In particular, this measure should affect the harmful drinking. Anyone who drinks a lot will notice the extent of the price increase more clearly than those who only occasionally consume alcohol as a stimulant. Since more expensive and high-quality alcohol is already above the minimum price, not much will change in this area.

Drinks in pubs are not affected

In pubs, bars and restaurants, the current prices are above the minimum price of 50 pence (about 57 cents) per alcohol unit and thus are not affected by the price increase, explains the Scottish Government.

Minimum law also in Germany?

According to the Tagesschau, search experts in Germany are also in favor of introducing a minimum price for alcohol based on the Scottish model. "Anyone who wants to reduce alcohol consumption must ensure that the disproportionately low prices for alcoholic beverages in Germany are raised", quotes the statement of the managing director of the German main office for addiction issues, Raphael Gaßmann, to the Funke media group. According to Gaßmann, it is proven that more alcohol is consumed if it costs little.

A reserve price could be an important step

In addition to Gassmann, the search expert of the AOK Federal Association, Kai Kolpatzik, is of the opinion that a minimum price can be an important first step in the fight against alcohol. According to Kolpatzik, Germany is one of the "high consumption countries". The then tax on the alcoholic mixed drinks "Alkopops" have already shown that targeted taxation can lead to a positive lifestyle change.

Cheap alcohol has nothing to do with enjoyment

The Drug Commissioner of the Federal Government, Marlene Mortler, also comments on the minimum price. Alcohol in our society is "too omnipresent, far too obvious," says Mortler. Cheap alcoholics at discount prices have nothing more to do with enjoyment, but aim at mass and just encourage younger people with little income to drink, emphasizes the Drugs Commissioner of the Federal Government. (Vb)