Other solutions to drink abuse needed

The fact that the minimum price of 50p per unit will be re-evaluated in five years means that the government is not certain that the many benefits proposed will be realised.

The evidence used to formulate this policy is based on a paper model, not on controlled published research.

The uncomfortable relationship between this model and activist support for a minimum price can be illustrated by the following: some time ago at a meeting in the Scottish Parliament I asked one of the main exponents of a minimum price why his figures for liver disease did not correlate with his figures for alcohol consumption in Scotland. He said that he had noticed this but ploughed on with his proposals for a minimum price.

Excessive alcohol consumption should be managed in our society. All the approaches that are used to curb excessive drinking in the poor and better-off areas of our society should be given equal attention.

It would be unfortunate if, in five years’ time when the sun has set on our minimum price policy, it was found that minimum pricing had not worked and no other solutions were available to manage the social problems of which excessive alcohol consumption may be one contributing factor.

(Prof) Geoff Palmer

Waulkmill Drive

Penicuik

The first steps have been taken in dealing with Scotland’s dangerous relationship with alcohol, and health secretary Nicola Sturgeon’s determination on this issue is impressive and comforting.

Alcohol is extremely cheap to produce, so putting a price on it per unit to inhibit its attraction is logical and sensible.

But it is useful to understand what has happened to our popular drinks over the last several decades.