Overview

• Deputy First Minister Shona Robison announced the increase, subject to parliamentary approval, to address rising alcohol-related health problems.
• The policy, introduced in 2018 as a world-first, has been credited with saving lives and reducing hospital admissions due to alcohol.
• Critics argue the increase punishes responsible drinkers and fails to significantly impact alcohol-related deaths.
• Research suggests the policy has not significantly affected alcohol businesses but has raised concerns among low-income alcoholics.
• Scotland's government continues to invest in treatment and support measures alongside the minimum pricing policy.