Minimum unit pricing for alcohol
Minimum unit pricing sets the lowest price an alcoholic drink can be sold for. By law, alcohol cannot be sold cheaper than this.
The minimum price for alcohol is currently 50p per unit. From the end of September 2024 this will increase to 65p per unit.
How minimum unit pricing works
The more alcohol a drink contains, the higher the minimum price for that product will be.
For example, from 30 September 2024 this will mean the minimum price for the following:
- whisky (700ml bottle at 40% strength) - £18.20
- vodka/gin (700ml bottle at 37.5% strength) - £17.07
- wine (700ml bottle at 13% strength) - £6.34
- beer (4 average-sized cans at 5%) - £5.72
Why we have minimum unit pricing
Minimum unit pricing aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by making alcohol less affordable. Research into minimum unit pricing has shown that this has helped reduce alcohol-related deaths and hospital admissions.
It is not a tax and does not generate income for the government.
Minimum unit pricing was introduced in 2018. In April 2024, the Scottish Parliament voted to keep minimum unit pricing and increase the minimum unit price from 50p to 65p per unit.
Guidance for retailers and businesses
There is information on alcohol minimum unit pricing for retailers and business on the mygov.scot website.
Download posters and flyers to tell your customers about minimum unit pricing.
The Grocers Federation Scotland website has a minimum unit pricing calculator.
Further information
If you have questions about the minimum unit pricing policy, email: alcoholharmprevention@gov.scot.