The Telegraph is reporting that The Scottish National Party (SNP) has announced plans to increase the minimum price for a bottle of wine to £6. The decision comes in the wake of a surge in alcohol-related deaths and harm in Scotland, which have reached their highest levels in 14 years. The SNP’s drugs and alcohol policy minister stated that this rise in alcohol-related issues is the primary reason behind the price hike.
The announcement has sparked debate, especially considering the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. It’s questionable whether the price increase will actually lead to a decrease in alcohol-related deaths and harm rather than just burden consumers and raise more tax. It’s also interesting to consider if there will be political repercussions for the SNP given that this decision is likely to be unpopular among many Scots.
