Support for retailers ahead of MUP price increase
THE Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) and the Scottish Government have published a new official Retailers Guide to MUP ahead of the planned increase to the charge in September.
The new guide provides licenced businesses with all the information needed to comply with the changes to the legislation on minimum unit pricing (MUP).
From 30 September, all Scottish businesses selling alcohol products will be required to charge at least 65 pence per unit of alcohol.
Prices are not expected to change largely across the off-trade but, primarily across cheap alcoholic drinks with higher ABVs in an effort to reduce the harm of overconsumption of alcohol in Scotland.
Jenni Minto, public health minister, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in producing this valuable guide which will help retailers across Scotland implement the new minimum unit price.
“Research commended by internationally renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities.”
The Scottish Government first announced it was planning to increase the threshold of MUP from 50p to 65p earlier this year. In response to this, the SGF launched an online MUP calculator that will show the price increase for alcohol drinks in store.
Pete Cheema, chief executive at the SGF, said: “SGF’s primary aim is to promote responsible, community-based retailing. Being able to support local licensed traders with the changeover will help ensure full compliance and give retailers the confidence they need to carry on operating within the law.
“I want to thank the Minister and her team for their support in developing the Guide and working closely with SGF in recent months to raise awareness about the changes to MUP.”
