Scottish Government readies alcohol promo ban

The Scottish Government is set to introduce minimum pricing and a ban on two-for-one promotions in a range of measures designed to tackle the country’s alcohol abuse problem.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon is expected to unveil the measures this week following the Government’s consultation on a range of radical measures last September, according to reports.

The proposals, including a minimum price for alcohol per unit and separate alcohol check-outs in supermarkets to deter impulse buys, are designed to tackle Scotland’s alcohol abuse problems, which are believed to cost about £2.25bn in lost work days and costs to the health service.

Controversial plans to increase the minimum age for buying alcohol in supermarkets and off-licences to 21 have already been rejected by Scottish MPs.

The measures follow the recent launch of a House of Common’s health committee inquiry to look into alcohol misuse and the role of the alcohol industry and marketers.

In addition, the Department of Health’s “Safe. Sensible. Social” alcohol strategy consultation was launched last summer, which includes a proposal that advertisers be forced to include a short public health message, as an “end frame” after TV and cinema ads.