The NFRN has backed calls from health charities for the minimum unit price (MUP) of alcohol sold in Scotland to increase from 50 to 65p.

Alcohol Focus Scotland and Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems sent a letter to the Scottish government last week calling for the rise, stating inflation was likely to have eroded the policy’s alleged impact in reducing alcohol harm.

Alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland fell by 10% in 2019, but rose by 17% in 2020 – attributed to drinking patterns during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Blantyre retailer and national deputy vice president of the NFRN Mo Razzaq said: “These figures are shocking. While MUP proved to be successful initially, it’s clear it needs to be reviewed and acted on by government.”

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