Greens: Action needed on alcohol
Public health action on alcohol should be considered alongside a review of the level of minimum unit pricing, the Scottish Greens have said.
The party’s health spokesperson Gillian Mackay raised the issue at First Minister’s questions, suggesting that ministers look at placing more responsibilities on industry and retail to minimise harm.
Speaking afterwards, Gillian Mackay said: “Sadly alcohol-related deaths rose during the pandemic and remains a serious public health problem in Scotland. Minimum unit pricing has been effective but we should look at a range of measures to reduce the harm further.
“The consultation on the marketing of alcohol is welcome but I hope other measures can be considered too, including mandating health information on labels and placing more responsibility on retailers.
“It is concerning that the UK internal market bill could be a threat to minimum unit pricing, a public health measure which was fought through the courts for years. Scotland has a tradition for bold leadership on harm reduction measures when it comes to public health, and that must not be threatened by a UK Government in thrall to private interests.”