The number of alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland has fallen by 7% in 2024, according to new figures from National Records of Scotland.
There were 1,185 alcohol-specific deaths registered in 2024, 92 fewer than in 2023. This is the lowest annual figure since 2019.
Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, said: “Today’s figures showing a fall in alcohol‐specific deaths in Scotland during 2024 are a welcome sign. The decline in these deaths is the result of persistent efforts to reduce alcohol harm, and we must ensure this year’s drop is the start of a sustained trend. It is important to remember that every one of these deaths was entirely preventable, and behind each number lies a personal tragedy.
We have seen brave, preventative action from the Scottish Government in recent years with the introduction and uprating of Minimum Unit Pricing and plans to review alcohol marketing rules. Meanwhile Westminster has failed to follow suit. With death rates in England spiralling, our government must step up and follow Scotland in leading the way on reducing alcohol harm.
The Chancellor now has an opportunity in the upcoming Autumn Budget to raise alcohol duty—an internationally recognised tool proven to reduce harm. When the annual duty escalator of RPI+2% was in place under the last Labour government, deaths from alcohol-related liver disease fell. Reinstating such measures would help ensure that today’s encouraging figures continue, while raising much needed revenue that could fund our overstretched public services.
If the UK Government is serious about its promise to shift from sickness to prevention, it must mirror Scotland’s progress and introduce bold, evidence-based policies to tackle alcohol harm.”
