Scotland introduces minimum alcohol pricing to cut deaths

[webfact]

Scotland introduces minimum alcohol pricing to cut deaths

 

Bottles of alcoholic beverages are seen for sale in a shop in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, May 1, 2018. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

 

LONDON (Reuters) - Scotland introduced minimum unit pricing on alcohol on Tuesday as it tries to improve public health by raising the cost of cheap, strong drinks favoured by young people and binge-drinkers.

 

A unit of alcohol, defined as 10 millilitres (8 grammes) of pure alcohol, must not cost less than 50 pence ($0.68)

asScotland becomes one of the first countries in the world to introduce minimum alcohol pricing.

 

The increase on mainly cheaper white ciders and value spirits will help to cut alcohol-related deaths, according to the Scottish government.

 

"Over the first five years of this policy the estimate is that several hundred fewer deaths from alcohol will be recorded and we will reduce admissions to hospital," Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Sky News.

 

The Scottish government won a landmark court case against the Scottish Whisky Association in November, allowing it to go ahead with the move.

 

($1 = 0.7308 pounds)

 

(Reporting by Costas Pitas; editing by Michael Holden)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-05-02

[faraday]

If someone is predisposed to binge drinking etc, raising the price by such a small amount will not, in my opinion, have any significant effect.

 

But, it looks as if Sturgeon cares......

 

[worgeordie]

Will there be "Cider runners",bringing  Cider over the border 

from England,where the price is cheaper.

regards worgeordie

[nausea]

Back to the homebrew.

[Baerboxer]

This story was on the Beeb world news this morning. Quite hefty price increase examples given. A 3L bottle of strong cider which could be bought for around 3 GBP was now going to cost 7.50 GBP.

 

Also, the figure of deaths anticipated to be saved was 400, but several hundred sounds better. 

 

Scotland has suffered from heavy drinking issues among parts of the population for generations. But so do many other countries. Educating people to make better life style choices is one thing. Using price as a way to police people and force a change is another. As one retailer pointed out, it will be the low income people who get hit the hardest. The ones who can't afford the expensive stuff.

 

Sturgeon heads a party that is nationalist and socialist. And like many of that ilk acts like the state should tell people how they must live, which must meet with her approval and no opinions but hers matter or can be tolerated.

 

Wonder where all the extra cost will go - to the drinks companies, the retailers, or perhaps the Scottish government to spend wisely as only they can!

 

Interesting to see how the electorate react. 

[Nurseynutcase]

3 hours ago, worgeordie said:

Will there be "Cider runners",bringing  Cider over the border 

from England,where the price is cheaper.

regards worgeordie

MY thoughts exactly.  Could be a HUGE bonus for the shops just south of the non-existent border.

[Grouse]

2 minutes ago, Nurseynutcase said:

MY thoughts exactly.  Could be a HUGE bonus for the shops just south of the non-existent border.

WARNING IRONY ?

 

Nah, we don't need borders anymore; technology will deal with it ?

[baboon]

Governments, eh? Whack the sin taxes up to save us from ourselves then when our health improves, complain we are living too long and are a burden on the state. Which way do they want it?

[VocalNeal]

I like a beer and a chat but don't go out to get hammered.  More sad it that other people do.

 

Edited May 2, 2018 by VocalNeal

[freebyrd]

As an aside, Phil the Greek once asked a Scottish driving instructor how he kept the locals sober long enough to learn how to drive .

[Mario666]

6 hours ago, worgeordie said:

Will there be "Cider runners",bringing  Cider over the border 

from England,where the price is cheaper.

regards worgeordie

 

Well Thank you Scotland....Just what we need.!.....A load of PISSED UP, PISS-HEAD JOCKS coming down the A1 and A74M on "Booze Runs"

[Grouse]

6 hours ago, Baerboxer said:

This story was on the Beeb world news this morning. Quite hefty price increase examples given. A 3L bottle of strong cider which could be bought for around 3 GBP was now going to cost 7.50 GBP.

 

Also, the figure of deaths anticipated to be saved was 400, but several hundred sounds better. 

 

Scotland has suffered from heavy drinking issues among parts of the population for generations. But so do many other countries. Educating people to make better life style choices is one thing. Using price as a way to police people and force a change is another. As one retailer pointed out, it will be the low income people who get hit the hardest. The ones who can't afford the expensive stuff.

 

Sturgeon heads a party that is nationalist and socialist. And like many of that ilk acts like the state should tell people how they must live, which must meet with her approval and no opinions but hers matter or can be tolerated.

 

Wonder where all the extra cost will go - to the drinks companies, the retailers, or perhaps the Scottish government to spend wisely as only they can!

 

Interesting to see how the electorate react. 

And that's just 5% by volume! 

 

I am led to believe, but couldn't swear to it, that Cider may be much stronger than 5% ?

 

White Lightning used to be 6.8%. So will now be 13 quid for a 3L bottle!

 

Good move I think!

Edited May 2, 2018 by Grouse

[mrfill]

This is NOT a tax hike but a minimum price. The government may make a little more if consumption stays the same but this is not the point. Other than cheap strong supermarket cider - favoured mostly by those park dwellers - there will be no increases necessary as other drinks, generally, are above the minimum price now.

It would be like doubling the price of lao khow. Would you care?

 

All a bit of a storm in a teacup, or wine glass, really.

[Mario666]

2 minutes ago, Grouse said:

And that's just 5% by volume! 

 

I am led to believe, but couldn't swear to it, that Cider may be much stronger than 5% ?

 

Ahem!....Not an expert but some of the really shit Paint-Stripper ciders sold in the UK are much Higher!

 

White Lightning Cider:

 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Lightning_(cider)

 

On its release, its strength was 8.4% alcohol by volume, which, after pressure from the government over the gathering evidence of its adverse social effects that were becoming apparent, was later reduced to 7.5%, then finally to 5.5% in May 2009.

 

Frosty Jack's for example is 7.5%.

 

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/frosty-jacks-super-strength-cider-health-5335180

 

And in the USA.... wait for this:

 

Reverend Nat’s Releases Highest ABV Cider: the 16.6% Wooden Hellfire

 

http://www.newschoolbeer.com/2016/12/reverend-nats-releases-highest-abv-cider-16-6-wooden-hellfire.html

 

This is definitely not for "PUSSIES"!

 

But, I am all for them!

 

 

[Mario666]

14 minutes ago, mrfill said:

This is NOT a tax hike but a minimum price. The government may make a little more if consumption stays the same but this is not the point. Other than cheap strong supermarket cider - favoured mostly by those park dwellers - there will be no increases necessary as other drinks, generally, are above the minimum price now.

It would be like doubling the price of lao khow. Would you care?

 

All a bit of a storm in a teacup, or wine glass, really.

 

'This is NOT a tax hike but a minimum price. The government may make a little more if consumption stays the same but this is not the point.'

 

Glad you mentioned that....As far as I know no one has actually said where the extra money will go? But I bet my balls it will be to the Scottish Treasury and not to the retailers!

[Grouse]

21 minutes ago, mrfill said:

This is NOT a tax hike but a minimum price. The government may make a little more if consumption stays the same but this is not the point. Other than cheap strong supermarket cider - favoured mostly by those park dwellers - there will be no increases necessary as other drinks, generally, are above the minimum price now.

It would be like doubling the price of lao khow. Would you care?

 

All a bit of a storm in a teacup, or wine glass, really.

It's a really good move

[Mario666]

1 minute ago, Grouse said:

It's a really good move

 

So if they brought it in in Thailand , pushing prices even higher and the extra revenue went to the Junta you would support it?????

[Grouse]

4 minutes ago, Mario666 said:

 

'This is NOT a tax hike but a minimum price. The government may make a little more if consumption stays the same but this is not the point.'

 

Glad you mentioned that....As far as I know no one has actually said where the extra money will go? But I bet my balls it will be to the Scottish Treasury and not to the retailers!

You miss the point

 

Supermarkets unable to use booze as loss leaders

 

No point buying high alcohol beers and ciders. May as well buy higher quality spirits. 

 

I suspect my beloved Amondillado sherry will be more expensive though!

[scubascuba3]

 
I bet my balls it will be to the Scottish Treasury and not to the retailers! [emoji106]

But its not a tax hike so the retailers if they pass through the charge will make the money.

I'm interested in what happens to the other drinks. No one will buy cheapy beer X when they can buy Stella for the same price, so will more premium beers go up in price, or maybe the cheap beers will stop being made

[Grouse]

1 minute ago, Mario666 said:

 

So if they brought it in in Thailand , pushing prices even higher and the extra revenue went to the Junta you would support it?????

Yes

 

Look at statistics for liver disease deaths. 

 

Typical beers are well well within the limits specified.

 

The revenues are not going anywhere. Sales of high abv beers and ciders will drop.

 

Wonder if methylated spirit will go up?

[Mario666]

1 minute ago, Grouse said:

You miss the point

 

Supermarkets unable to use booze as loss leaders

 

No point buying high alcohol beers and ciders. May as well buy higher quality spirits. 

 

I suspect my beloved Amondillado sherry will be more expensive though!

I already said in another thread about the increased "Wine" prices that Real Piss-Heads will simply buy other PISS, e.g., Sansom, etc.

 

Guess you didn't read that.....

 

Not blaming you mate.....In this world of "Social Media" (a misnomer if ever there was one) it is difficult to be "Omnipresent"

[Mario666]

4 minutes ago, Grouse said:

Yes

 

Look at statistics for liver disease deaths. 

 

Typical beers are well well within the limits specified.

 

The revenues are not going anywhere. Sales of high abv beers and ciders will drop.

 

Wonder if methylated spirit will go up?

 

"Wonder if methylated spirit will go up?"....Fick...I hope not!

[Baerboxer]

42 minutes ago, Grouse said:

And that's just 5% by volume! 

 

I am led to believe, but couldn't swear to it, that Cider may be much stronger than 5% ?

 

White Lightning used to be 6.8%. So will now be 13 quid for a 3L bottle!

 

Good move I think!

 

So that wonderful virtuous caring kind Ms Sturgeon, is so concerned about the health of her electorate.

 

Commendable.

 

So pray tell, is she going to address the high saturated fat diet that causes much ill health, high blood pressure, over weight, diabetes, and heart attacks? Perhaps a massive tax on deep fried mars bars; deep fried meat pies, fish suppers, and of course the traditional Scottish breakfast which includes haggis as well as black pudding in the good old fry up.

 

Yeah, way to go wee Nicola. Ignore the poverty (rampant in the area that elects her), the crime, and the not so rosy public sector services. Concentrate on telling people what to drink and then punishing them financially if they don't do as told. Then start on diet, what to watch on TV so as not to corrupt the minds, bring back the hated "named persons for each child" idea, and then perhaps instructions on who you must vote for. Far fetched - maybe not as much as you might think.

 

But at least she can crow about her "government' (yawn) being the first in the world at something. She'll be expecting a Nobel prize minimum. 

 

 

[Mario666]

24 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

But its not a tax hike so the retailers if they pass through the charge will make the money.

Well if you believe that you'll believe anything.....by the way are you looking for a second hand motor?

Edited May 2, 2018 by Mario666

[Grouse]

4 minutes ago, Mario666 said:

I already said in another thread about the increased "Wine" prices that Real Piss-Heads will simply buy other PISS, e.g., Sansom, etc.

 

Guess you didn't read that.....

 

Not blaming you mate.....In this world of "Social Media" (a misnomer if ever there was one) it is difficult to be "Omnipresent"

sangsom is available at M&S for 10 quid, normally 16.99. You will not be able to buy it for less than 14 pounds in Scotland

 

Overall, it's a good move!

[Baerboxer]

9 minutes ago, Grouse said:

Yes

 

Look at statistics for liver disease deaths. 

 

Typical beers are well well within the limits specified.

 

The revenues are not going anywhere. Sales of high abv beers and ciders will drop.

 

Wonder if methylated spirit will go up?

 

Aye statistics. Like the ones that made dimwit Salmon declare oil prices would never fall below $100 a barrel!

 

Ironic that my first statistics lecturer said that " statistics should be used the same way a drunk uses a lamp post - for support not illumination"!!

 

(He was a piss artist which was even more ironic as he said that swaying after lunch!).

[Grouse]

2 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

 

So that wonderful virtuous caring kind Ms Sturgeon, is so concerned about the health of her electorate.

 

Commendable.

 

So pray tell, is she going to address the high saturated fat diet that causes much ill health, high blood pressure, over weight, diabetes, and heart attacks? Perhaps a massive tax on deep fried mars bars; deep fried meat pies, fish suppers, and of course the traditional Scottish breakfast which includes haggis as well as black pudding in the good old fry up.

 

Yeah, way to go wee Nicola. Ignore the poverty (rampant in the area that elects her), the crime, and the not so rosy public sector services. Concentrate on telling people what to drink and then punishing them financially if they don't do as told. Then start on diet, what to watch on TV so as not to corrupt the minds, bring back the hated "named persons for each child" idea, and then perhaps instructions on who you must vote for. Far fetched - maybe not as much as you might think.

 

But at least she can crow about her "government' (yawn) being the first in the world at something. She'll be expecting a Nobel prize minimum. 

 

 

I honestly think it is a well balanced move. Same as with high sugar drinks.

[Mario666]

1 minute ago, Baerboxer said:

 

So that wonderful virtuous caring kind Ms Sturgeon, is so concerned about the health of her electorate.

 

Commendable.

 

So pray tell, is she going to address the high saturated fat diet that causes much ill health, high blood pressure, over weight, diabetes, and heart attacks? Perhaps a massive tax on deep fried mars bars; deep fried meat pies, fish suppers, and of course the traditional Scottish breakfast which includes haggis as well as black pudding in the good old fry up.

 

Yeah, way to go wee Nicola. Ignore the poverty (rampant in the area that elects her), the crime, and the not so rosy public sector services. Concentrate on telling people what to drink and then punishing them financially if they don't do as told. Then start on diet, what to watch on TV so as not to corrupt the minds, bring back the hated "named persons for each child" idea, and then perhaps instructions on who you must vote for. Far fetched - maybe not as much as you might think.

 

But at least she can crow about her "government' (yawn) being the first in the world at something. She'll be expecting a Nobel prize minimum. 

 

 

 

Scottish budget is obviously FICKED....You watch...Next they will be taxing Ironbru,  Kilts, Sporans and Fried Mars Bars....No point in increasing income tax because most Jocks would stop work!...What do I mean "Stop Work"?

 

 

[Baerboxer]

2 minutes ago, Grouse said:

sangsom is available at M&S for 10 quid, normally 16.99. You will not be able to buy it for less than 14 pounds in Scotland

 

Overall, it's a good move!

 

No it's not. A good move would be to educate the populace to the dangers of alcohol and persuade them of the benefits of not over indulging and binge drinking.

 

Making decisions for them, and punishing them financially to try and ensure compliance is somewhat dictatorial.

[scubascuba3]

Well if you believe tat you'll believe anything.....by the way are you looking for a second hand motor?

Are you one of those conspiracy theory people, never believe anything on the face of it? How is the Scottish govt getting this increase in price?