In February this year, the Scottish government revealed that all alcohol sold in the country’s stores will need to cost at least 65p per unit from 30 September, under changes to minimum unit pricing (MUP).

As a result, retailers will see higher margins and prices. Higher-volume, lower-cost lines across beers, wines and spirits will be most affected. The move has been made to reduce alcohol harm in Scotland.

Retailers have has a mixed reaction to the news, with Hussan Lal, president of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) in Scotland, commenting that the MUP “has not worked”.

He said: “We are all for saving lives, but MUP is not the be all and end all. Simply increasing the price of alcohol will not deter heavy drinkers.

“We need something different in terms of education and investment in better services to support those who are addicted to alcohol.”

Lal also expressed concern that the price increase will lead to an escalation in shoplifting, which has risen to unprecedented levels in recent years.

Meanwhile, Ferhan Ashiq, of Levenhall Village Store, Mussleburgh, East Lothian, revealed support for the MUP increase.

He said: “As a retailer, I understand what the Scottish government wants to achieve and I back it. We need to play our part in this and I’m not opposed to it.”

Earlier this year, vice-president of the Fed Mo Razzaq warned that the MUP rise will could put retailers at further risk from retail crime.

He said: “It is not going to tackle the issue of alcohol consumption.  Anyone with alcohol abuse issues will steal the product if they cannot afford it, as it is an addiction.”

Read more minimum unit pricing product news and category advice