Levy on alcohol sold in supermarkets could raise by £57 million per year
New research from the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde shows that a levy on shops and supermarkets that sell alcohol could raise by £57 million per year in Scotland.
Despite off-sales of alcohol decreasing by an estimated 3.5% in recent years due to minimum unit pricing, alcohol industry revenue has gone up an estimated £30 million per year. Health campaigners suggest that this demonstrates the potential for the retailers that profit from the sale of alcohol to contribute towards the financial burden it places on society.
Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS), said: ‘AFS has been campaigning for some time for the additional money from minimum unit pricing, which currently goes straight into the pockets of shops and supermarkets, to go back into the public purse.
‘By redirecting some of this additional money, we can relieve the pressures that our health and social care services are experiencing and address the 40% decline in people accessing specialist alcohol treatment over the past decade.’
Behind closed doors: An online event on alcohol, domestic abuse and trauma
Alcohol Change UK are hosting an online learning event about the complex relationship between alcohol and domestic abuse.
The session provides a chance to hear from experts and collaborate with others to identify unmet needs and work towards solutions. Speakers include:
- Lucy Allwright and Sarah Fox – unravelling the complex relationship between domestic abuse and alcohol
- Mike Ward – domestic abuse and homicide amongst chaotic alcohol-dependent drinkers
- Aunee Bhogaita and Sarah Golvani – South Asian women’s experiences
- Emma Northcott – how the EVA Project provides specialist housing for women escaping domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Download the full agenda and book your place.
Breaking the silence with #COAWeek2024
This week marks COA week, the annual campaign raising awareness of children affected by a parent’s drinking.
The theme this year is ‘breaking the silence,’ aiming to increase awareness of this hidden problem and the support available.
Events include a lunchtime live with Nacoa ambassadors asking real questions from young people, a charity gala, and the annual Stafford Ward Lecture in the House of Commons.
Nacoa have shared several ways we can help ourselves, help others, and help in schools and colleges.
The bottle and the damage done: A short film
This film by Arthur Cauty presents a portrait of his uncle, who has been alcohol dependent for much of his adult life and recently gotten sober. Arthur hopes that the film will provide understanding, hope or fortitude for those either experiencing addiction themselves, are in recovery, or are loved ones.
Explained: Alcohol marketing
The latest film in the Institute of Alcohol Studies’ Explained series turns to alcohol marketing, exploring:
- the link between alcohol marketing and young people’s drinking
- how it affects those in recovery
- how it intersects with perceived gender and gender norms
- how alcohol marketing became so prevalent in sport
- why controlling alcohol marketing is a human rights issue.
The expert speakers are Professor David Jernigan (University of Boston), Alison Douglas (Alcohol Focus Scotland), and Dr Amanda Atkinson (Liverpool John Moores University).
Events
Managing addictions in primary care
RCGP and Addiction Professionals
22 and 23 February 2024 (hybrid)
Behind closed doors: Alcohol, domestic abuse and trauma
Alcohol Change UK
14 March 2024 (online)
Tackling health inequalities: the need for urgent action
The King’s Fund
8–9 May 2024 (online)
