The SNP have called on the new Home Secretary to recognise Scotland’s “unique” migration needs in the wake of the Windrush scandal.

External affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop has written to Sajid Javid, who was unveiled as the replacement for Amber Rudd yesterday, to request a meeting to discuss Scotland’s demographics and the country’s need to attract new residents.

Mr Javid said yesterday he was keen to create a fair and humane immigration policy that welcomed people who are in the UK legally.

The Home Office has come in for serious criticism from all parties following the revelation that the so-called Windrush generation were vulnerable to deportation, despite many of them having lived in the UK for decades.

It has prompted a wider debate on UK migration policy and the Home Office aim of creating a “hostile environment” for those living in the country illegally.

In the letter to the Home Secretary, Ms Hyslop said Scotland was “particularly vulnerable to any reduction in inward migration because of our distinct demographics”.

She continued: “Across Scotland, as a whole population growth is projected to be driven entirely by migration with over a third of Scotland’s local authorities facing depopulation over the 25 years to 2039.

“The most recent population estimates from the National Records of Scotland showed a welcome increase in the numbers of people moving to Scotland from the rest of the UK but a worrying decrease in the number coming from overseas.

“The economic importance of migration to Scotland cannot be overestimated. Scottish Government analysis submitted to the Migration Advisory Committee’s call for evidence on the role of EEA workers in the UK labour market found that the average EU citizen in Scotland adds £10,400 to government revenue and £34,400 to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year.”

Ms Hyslop added: “I note the commitment that you made yesterday to a fair and humane immigration policy that welcomes and celebrates people who are here legally, people who have come in the past or who are looking to come and who want to do the right thing and contribute to our country. As part of that, I look forward to an early meeting with you to discuss the opportunities and ways in which Scotland’s unique migration needs can be recognised – as set out in Scotland’s population needs and migration policy – alongside the ways in which the immigration white paper could properly reflect Scotland’s position and provide certainty and security to EU citizens, who have made their home here that has been denied to those of the Windrush generation.”

READ MORE: Javid says ‘it could have been me’, as he pledges to fix Windrush failings</s>Scotland has become the first country in the world to implement a minimum unit price for alcohol.

Overnight, prices have risen making it illegal for shops in Scotland to sell alcohol for less than 50p per unit.

The government has introduced the new legislation in a bid to curb the nation’s drinking problem and save lives.

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The move, which is expected to hit high-strength ciders and cheap own-brand spirits the worst, has been welcomed by medical professionals as the biggest breakthrough in public health since the ban on smoking in public.

So much so, that Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister, hailed it as "bold and brave."

Designed to target booze that attracts problem drinkers, it is unlikely that the price of alcohol in pubs, clubs and restaurants will be affected.

However, those that line supermarket and corner shop shelves will see some of the biggest rise in prices.

Here, we take a look at how the cost of some of your favourite beverage will change.

Cider

Sainsbury’s – Bulmers, previous price £8 for 8 x 500ml, 2.3 UK Units – new minimum price £9.20

Iceland - Frosty Jack, previous price £3.69 for 3L, 22.5 UK Units – new minimum price £11.25

Tesco - Scrumpy Jack, previous price £3.75 for 4 x 400ml, 2.6 UK Units – new minimum price £5.20

Asda – Strongbow, previous price £9 for 12 x 440ml, 2.2 UK Units – new minimum price £13.20

Vodka

Iceland – Glen’s Vodka, previous price £12.50 for 70cl, 26.3 UK Units – new minimum price £13.15

Sainsbury’s – Vodka Basics, previous price £10.75 for 70cl, 26.3 UK Units – new minimum price £13.15

Tesco - Imperial Vodka, previous price £5.75 for 35cl, 14 UK Units – new minimum price £7

Tesco – Russian Standard Vodka, previous price £12 for 70cl, 26.6 UK Units – new minimum price £13.30

Shape Created with Sketch. The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol Show all 10 left Created with Sketch. right Created with Sketch. Shape Created with Sketch. The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 1/10 10. Poland Results from an OECD report 2/10 9. Germany 3/10 8. Luxembourg Rex Features 4/10 7. France 5/10 6. Hungary Rex Features 6/10 5. Russia AFP/Getty Images 7/10 4. Czech Republic 8/10 3. Estonia Rex Features 9/10 2. Austria Getty Images 10/10 1. Lithuania AFP/Getty Images 1/10 10. Poland Results from an OECD report 2/10 9. Germany 3/10 8. Luxembourg Rex Features 4/10 7. France 5/10 6. Hungary Rex Features 6/10 5. Russia AFP/Getty Images 7/10 4. Czech Republic 8/10 3. Estonia Rex Features 9/10 2. Austria Getty Images 10/10 1. Lithuania AFP/Getty Images

Whisky

Asda - Famous Grouse Whisky, previous price £12 for 70cl, 28 UK Units - new minimum price £14

Lidl – Glen Orchy Scotch Whisky, previous price £13.99 for 70cl, 28 UK Units - new minimum price £14

Tesco - Scots Club Blended Scotch Whisky, previous price £11 for 70cl, 28 UK Units - new minimum price £14

Wine

Asda - Garanega Pinot Grigio, previous price £12 for 2.25L, 25.9 UK Units – new minimum price £12.95

Lidl – Cimarosa Malborough Sauvignon Blanc, previous price £5.99 for 75cl, 9.3 UK Units – new minimum price £6.29

Morrisons – Silver Bay Point Red, previous price £7.50 for 2.25L, 18 UK Units – new minimum price £9

If your go-to tipple isn’t on the list, you can work out the price change yourself by calculating how many units it has.

To do so, multiply the total volume of a drink in ml by its ABV (alcohol by volume) and divide by 1,000.

For example, a 70cl (700ml) bottle of whisky at 40 abv equates to 28 units – which would mean a minimum price of £14.</s>Scotland has introduced minimum unit pricing for alcohol as part of the government's efforts to "change people’s attitudes towards alcohol".

The Scottish government says they are the first in the world to introduce a minimum price for alcohol "based on the number of units in a drink".

The Irish Government is planning to introduce similar measures here.

Other versions of minimum alcohol pricing are already in effect in a small number of countries, including Canada, but are not based on units.

In Scotland, alcoholic drinks will now have a minimum price of 50p (€0.57) per unit.

Proponents of minimum unit pricing say it is aimed at tackling the availability of cheap alcohol.

It is focused on combating heavy and binge drinking, with the ultimate goal of cutting down on alcohol-related illnesses and health issues.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the legislation as 'bold and brave' action.

She observed: “It’s no secret that Scotland has a troubled relationship with alcohol. There are, on average, 22 alcohol-specific deaths every week in Scotland, and 697 hospital admissions and behind every one of these statistics is a person, a family, and a community badly affected by alcohol misuse.

"Given the clear and proven link between consumption and harm, minimum unit pricing is the most effective and efficient way to tackle the cheap, high strength alcohol that causes so much damage to so many families."

Minimum alcohol pricing is set to come into effect in Ireland as part of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill.

It would set the minimum price per gram of alcohol at €0.10.

The bill is set to be discussed by the Oireachtas health committee, having passed through the Seanad last year.</s>Scotland has become the first country in the world to implement minimum unit pricing for alcohol.

New legislation, which came into force today (Tuesday), sets a minimum 50 pence per unit price to tackle the damage caused by cheap, high strength alcohol.

Research shows that the move is expected to save 392 lives in the first five years of implementation.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am extremely proud that the eyes of the world will once again be on Scotland with the introduction of this legislation.

“Our action is bold and it is brave, and shows once again that we are leading the way in introducing innovative solutions to public health challenges.

“It’s no secret that Scotland has a troubled relationship with alcohol. There are, on average, 22 alcohol-specific deaths every week in Scotland, and 697 hospital admissions and behind every one of these statistics is a person, a family, and a community badly affected by alcohol misuse.

“Given the clear and proven link between consumption and harm, minimum unit pricing is the most effective and efficient way to tackle the cheap, high strength alcohol that causes so much damage to so many families.”

Health Secretary Shona Robison added: “We know we need to act now to change people’s attitudes towards alcohol and I am confident that, with the introduction of minimum unit pricing, we are moving in the right direction. Alcohol misuse costs Scotland £3.6 billion each year – that’s £900 for every adult in the country.

“Scotland has the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in the UK – from today, I hope we will see that change.”

The move has been welcomed by health professionals. Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “As a nation we drink 40 per cent more than the low risk drinking guidelines of 14 units per week for men and women. Prior to the implementation of minimum unit pricing, those 14 units could be bought for just £2.52. This is absolutely unacceptable.

“That is where this new legislation comes in, and I am confident that over the first five years of its operation, minimum unit pricing will reduce the number of alcohol-specific deaths by hundreds, and hospital admissions by thousands.”

Chair of BMA Scotland Dr Peter Bennie said: “It has been a long road to reach this point, but I am delighted that the persistence of alcohol campaigners, with strong BMA support, has paid off and minimum unit pricing has finally taken effect.

“Minimum unit pricing is a policy that will help to save lives and reduce alcohol harms in Scotland. It will help to reduce the burden of alcohol on our health service, on Scottish society, and most importantly on individuals and their families.

“This is an important milestone for Scotland, and many other parts of the world will now be watching the implementation of minimum unit pricing with great interest.

“Importantly, the determination with which minimum unit pricing has been pursued also shows that the alcohol industry cannot expect to successfully block policies designed to protect the health of the public.

“Minimum unit pricing can make a significant impact, but we have always been clear that it needs to be part of a broad range of actions to tackle the harms caused by alcohol misuse. As a society we need to be prepared to show the same determination when it comes to taking further action.”</s>Scotland on Tuesday became the world's first country to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol, in what its government expects will be a trailblazing move following years of legal battles.

"Scotland is the first country in the world being bold enough and brave enough to introduce minimum unit pricing," Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told AFP.

"I think we will see countries across Europe and further afield look to replicate what has been done here in Scotland," she added, noting Ireland and Wales were eager to roll out similar schemes.

The policy, designed to cut alcohol-related harm, will set a minimum price of 50 pence ($0.70, 0.57 euros) per unit of alcohol.

It has been welcomed by the medical profession and health campaigners as the biggest breakthrough in public health since the ban on smoking in public.

"This legislation will be life-saving," said Alison Douglas, chief executive of the Alcohol Focus Scotland charity, who predicted it would save 58 lives in the first year.

"But the effect builds over time and by year 20 -- which is full effect -- it will save 121 lives here in Scotland," she added.

Audrey Duncan, 37, a recovering alcoholic from Glasgow whose life was devastated by the addiction, said the cheap price of booze had helped fuel it.

"I don't think it (minimum pricing) would have put me off but I certainly would have run out of money quicker," she added.

Retailers said they expected minimal hits on some stock but had long been anticipating the scheme.

Linda Williams, proprietor of a store in Edinburgh, said it could "even out the playing field between supermarkets and local shops".

"There will be no more heavy discounting on spirits and on big packs of beer which really have caused all the problems in the first place with alcohol," she added.

The plan finally came into force this week after years of court wrangling delayed its introduction.

Britain's Supreme Court last year backed the Scottish government's move, declining an appeal by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and other industry representatives to strike it down.

Seven judges in London unanimously ruled that such pricing is "a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim" and does not breach European Union law.

That ended a half-decade legal battle which had gone all the way to the European Court of Justice in 2015.

Despite losing its appeal, a spokesperson for the SWA said the industry had worked "co-operatively" with the government to implement the scheme, "which we hope will be smooth".

"We agree with the Scottish government that there needs to be an objective, independent and robust assessment of the impact of minimum unit pricing," it added.

Sturgeon said she never believed it would damage Scotland's lucrative whisky industry.

"The premium whiskies that the industry in Scotland is so renowned for are not the alcohol products that are going to be most affected by minimum pricing," she added.</s>Scotland has become the first country in the world to bring in minimum unit pricing for alcohol. Here are some key questions about the move:

Minimum unit pricing, or MUP, simply sets a floor price for a unit of alcohol, meaning it cannot legally be sold for less than that. The more alcohol in a drink, the more expensive it will be.

– Why does the price of alcohol matter?

Health campaigners argue when the price of alcohol goes down, consumption of alcohol goes up. The more affordable drink becomes, the more people use it, and the more harm society experiences because of it.

– What exactly is being introduced?

The Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act was passed by MSPs at Holyrood in 2012. The Scottish Government confirmed in February this year it would set the baseline price for alcohol at 50p a unit. Ministers believe MUP will mostly affect the cheap white ciders and value spirits with high alcohol content that tend to be favoured by harmful drinkers. A 50p minimum price means a 70cl bottle of whisky could not be sold for less than £14. It takes the cost of a 70cl bottle of 37.5% vodka to no less than £13.13, four 440ml cans of 9% lager increase to a minimum of £7.92 and a 75cl bottle of 12.5% wine can be sold for no less than £4.69.

– What’s wrong with bringing in other measures instead?

Ministers insist Scotland’s alcohol problem is so significant that “ground breaking” measures are needed. They say that, given the link between consumption and harm and evidence that affordability is one of the drivers of increased consumption, addressing price is an important element of any long-term strategy. Ministers believe there is strong international evidence that tackling price, as part of a package of measures, can help reduce alcohol consumption.

– Just how serious is Scotland’s relationship with the bottle?

The Scottish Government argues the nation’s relationship with alcohol has become imbalanced. Almost a fifth more alcohol is sold per adult in Scotland than in England and Wales, and statistics show more than 40% of prisoners were drunk at the time of their offence. On average, alcohol misuse causes about 697 hospital admissions and 22 deaths a week and it costs Scotland £3.6 billion each year, or £900 for every adult, ministers say.

– What impact could MUP have on harm reduction?

Ministers say it means less money will have to be spent dealing with the consequences of alcohol misuse. They point to research suggesting the move is expected to save 392 lives in the first five years of implementation.

– The legislation was passed in 2012, so why has it taken Scotland so long to have minimum pricing for alcohol?

Implementation of the law was held up due to a long-running legal challenge from alcohol industry bodies, led by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). Their challenge was heard at various levels at Scotland’s highest civil court, the Court of Session, and went to the Court of Justice of the European Union. It was only after that the hearings moved to the UK Supreme Court, which rejected the industry challenge.

– What are the arguments against MUP?

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) believes it will not tackle alcohol misuse effectively and says there is no evidence MUP is effective in reducing alcohol-related harm. It believes the measure contravenes EU trading rules. It claims MUP will set a precedent for “equally ineffective and illegal measures” by other countries which could severely damage the Scotch Whisky industry’s export markets and the Scottish economy. The body says it is a regressive policy that hits responsible drinkers, in particular those with the lowest incomes. They agree there is a problem with alcohol misuse but say alcohol-related harm in Scotland has declined in recent years. In addition, existing laws on under-age sales and sales to drunk people are not fully and effectively applied at the moment, it argues.</s>Nicola Sturgeon has said the “eyes of the world” are on Scotland today as minimum pricing of alcohol is finally introduced today after a six-year court battle.

The First Minister said the “bold and brave” policy is expected to save hundreds of lives over the next five years in a radical approach to tackle Scotland’s “troubled relationship” with drink.

But opponents claim that it will mean “drastic increases” for Scots drinkers and the public have been misled over suggestions that only strong lagers and ciders will rise in price. The new minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol means a bottle of vodka will now cost at least £13.13 and whisky would cost at least £14.

The measure is backed by all political parties at Holyrood and medical leaders in Scotland. The plans were first passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2012, but were delayed after a legal challenge by the Scottish Whisky Association (SWA) which was finally kicked out by the Court of Session last year.

Alcohol misuse costs Scotland £3.6 billion each year. As a nation Scots drink 40 per cent more than the low-risk drinking guidelines of 14 units per week for men and women.

Ms Sturgeon said yesterday: “I am extremely proud that the eyes of the world will once again be on Scotland with the introduction of this legislation.

“Our action is bold and it is brave, and shows once again that we are leading the way in introducing innovative solutions to public health challenges.

“Given the clear and proven link between consumption and harm, minimum unit pricing is the most effective and efficient way to tackle the cheap, high strength alcohol that causes so much damage to so many families.”

Deaths through alcohol misuse in Scotland are 54 per cent higher than England and Wales and six times higher in the country’s most deprived areas. It is now estimated that 392 lives will be saved in the first five years of implementation, according to government research. The British Medical Association (BMA) says there is a “proven link” between alcohol price and consumption and has been a vocal backer of the minimum pricing.

BMA Scotland chair Dr Peter Bennie said: “Minimum unit pricing is a policy that will help to save lives and reduce alcohol harms in Scotland. It will help to reduce the burden of alcohol on our health service, on Scottish society, and most importantly on individuals and their families.

“This is an important milestone for Scotland, and many other parts of the world will now be watching the implementation of minimum unit pricing with great interest.”

But opponents say that alcohol consumption in Scotland is already falling and question what further impact minimum pricing will have.

Christopher Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: “Shoppers in Scotland will see drastic increases in the price of their favourite drinks.

“It will become clear that minimum pricing is not a targeted measure that will only affect a few strong ciders.

“The public has been misled about this policy from the outset. Back-of-the-envelope calculations have been used to justify a nationwide rip-off that will raise the cost of living for all but the very rich.”

And despite the cross-party support at Holyrood Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs sounded a note of caution.

He said: “We’re awaiting with interest to see what effect the introduction of minimum pricing has on Scotland’s relationship with alcohol. This is new territory and we need to analyse what effect this will have on consumer behaviour.”

Despite the SWA challenge, the move does have some support within the drinks industry, with Tennent’s among the long-term advocates. Norman Loughery, off-trade sales director at Tennent’s owner C&C, said: “We strongly believe that the industry must play its part in tackling alcohol abuse and will therefore continue to work with relevant bodies in the territories in which we operate, including Ireland and Northern Ireland, to seek the introduction of minimum unit pricing legislation.”

Meanwhile, campaigners south of the Border said more than 1,000 lives could be lost if England fails to mirror Scotland’s reforms to alcohol pricing within five years.

The Alcohol Health Alliance UK (AHA) launched an intervention with the Children’s Society and homelessness charity Thames Reach today.

They said that a delay of five years could lead to more than 1,000 people dying in England from alcohol-related problems.</s>Alcohol now costs at least 50p per unit in Scotland as minimum unit pricing (MUP) kicks in north of the border.

It means a three-litre bottle of Frosty Jacks white cider will cost more than £11 in Scotland, while one can be picked up for a little as £3.69 in an English branch of Iceland.

Scotland hopes the move will cut alcohol-related deaths and illnesses, and lead to a drop in drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

However, critics of the policy argue it is another tax levied on poorer sections of society and say alcoholics will still find ways to get the money they need to buy booze.

But campaigners say more than 1,000 lives could be saved if England replicates Scotland’s new law.

The Alcohol Health Alliance UK (AHA), a group of more than 50 medical organisations including the British Medical Association, Royal College of GPs and Alcohol Concern, launched an intervention with the Children’s Society and homelessness charity Thames Reach on Tuesday.

They say that if England does not copy Scotland within five years, then 1,000 lives could be lost through alcohol-related problems.

Minimum pricing would not affect the price of most booze in bars or pubs, as it is usually sold for more than 50p a unit.

The policy targets off-licence and supermarket alcohol, especially super-strength lagers and white cider popular with street drinkers, the young and the vulnerable, the AHA argues.

Chairman of AHA Sir Ian Gilmore said: “Cheap alcohol is wrecking lives and livelihoods in England as well as Scotland.

“There are more than 23,000 deaths a year in England linked to alcohol, and many of these come from the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society.

“Minimum unit pricing will save lives, cut crime and benefit the public finances. At the same time, pub prices will be left untouched, and moderate drinkers will barely notice the difference under MUP.

“Any delay in implementing MUP in England will only cost lives and lead to unnecessary alcohol-related harm. We urge the Westminster Government to act now.”

Drinkers in Scotland must now pay at least £4.50 for a nine unit bottle of wine, while a two unit pint can of medium strength beer will cost at least £1.

Chief executive of Thames Reach Jeremy Swain said: “Cheap, high-strength ciders and super-strength lagers are responsible for more deaths among homeless people in the UK than either heroin or crack cocaine.”

He added: “Minimum unit pricing would significantly raise the price of these damaging products, creating a strong motivation for the vulnerable, dependent drinkers we support to move to weaker, less damaging drinks. Without doubt, this change will diminish the extreme health problems experienced by dependent drinkers in our projects and, ultimately, save lives.

“We call on the Westminster Government to act now to ensure minimum unit pricing is implemented in England urgently.”

Sam Royston, director of policy and research at the Children’s Society, said: “We know through our research and direct support for children that parents’ alcohol misuse can tear families apart, is linked to domestic abuse, and children living in families affected by mental ill health, or facing homelessness.

“There is clear evidence that minimum unit pricing targeting the cheapest alcohol reduces consumption and harm.

“This can only help to reduce the devastating impact problem drinking by parents can have on families.”</s>LONDON (Reuters) - Scotland introduced minimum unit pricing on alcohol on Tuesday as it tries to improve public health by raising the cost of cheap, strong drinks favored by young people and binge-drinkers.

A unit of alcohol, defined as 10 milliliters (8 grammes) of pure alcohol, must not cost less than 50 pence ($0.68) as Scotland becomes one of the first countries in the world to introduce minimum alcohol pricing.

The increase on mainly cheaper white ciders and value spirits will help to cut alcohol-related deaths, according to the Scottish government.

“Over the first five years of this policy the estimate is that several hundred fewer deaths from alcohol will be recorded and we will reduce admissions to hospital,” Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Sky News.

The Scottish government won a landmark court case against the Scottish Whisky Association in November, allowing it to go ahead with the move.</s>It is the first country in the world to implement such a law, with the Scottish government believing its introduction will save lives.

The new legislation sets a 50 pence (approximately 70 cents) minimum price per unit of alcohol. Anyone licensed to serve alcohol in the country -- in shops as well as bars and restaurants -- will need to follow the new pricing laws.

One unit is 8 grams of alcohol, which in terms of drinks is equal to a 25 milliliter shot of 40% alcohol, such as whiskey, or 76 milliliters of wine at 13%. A standard 175 millileter glass of 14% wine in the UK is 2.4 units. In the US, a standard drink is 14 grams of alcohol, equal to 148 millilters of table wine.

The Scottish government said the previously low prices of alcohol were "unacceptable" as people in Scotland could exceed alcohol limit guidelines of 14 units per week for just £2.50 ($3.50) with certain cheap, yet strong, alcoholic drinks. The same purchase would now cost at least £7.50 ($10.20).

According to a 2016 Scottish Health Survey, one in four people drink more than the recommended limit of 14 units per week, classed as hazardous or harmful levels. Scotland has the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in the UK. There are 22 deaths every week linked to drinking, according to 2015 data by NHS Scotland. In 2015 through 2016 more than 23,400 people were admitted to hospital for alcohol-related causes. According to the government, research suggests the new pricing will save 392 lives within five years. "Given the clear and proven link between consumption and harm, minimum unit pricing is the most effective and efficient way to tackle the cheap, high-strength alcohol that causes so much damage to so many families," said Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The legislation was first passed by the Scottish parliament in 2012 but faced opposition and legal challenges. "They faced significant political opposition, with much of it organized by the alcohol industry," said Ben Hawkins, assistant professor of global health policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the UK. Hawkins believes the policy will benefit public health and commends the Scottish government on getting it passed. They "identified a problem and an effective solution to that problem supported by international evidence," Hawkins said. Today, Sturgeon tweeted her thanks to "those who have stuck with us through the challenges." Today, Scotland becomes the first country in the world to implement minimum unit pricing in an attempt to reduce the significant harm of strong, low cost alcohol. Thanks to all those who have stuck with us through the challenges. This public health policy will save lives. — Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 1, 2018 Scotland's Health Secretary Shona Robison said alcohol misuse costs Scotland £3.6 billion ($4.9 billion US) each year. "We know we need to act now to change people's attitudes towards alcohol and I am confident that, with the introduction of minimum unit pricing, we are moving in the right direction," she said. The minimum pricing will mostly affect cheap white ciders and value spirits that are high in alcohol, according to the Scottish government, with most drinks currently sold in pubs already being above this new minimum. In 2016, more than half of alcohol sold in served in Scottish supermarkets was sold as less than 50 pence per unit, NHS Scotland data shows. That same year, 17% more alcohol was sold per adult in Scotland than in England and Wales, at 20.2 units per adult per week compared to 17.3 units, mostly from sales in supermarkets and other stores that sell alcohol. Dr. Catherine Calderwood, Scotland's Chief Medical Officer, said: "As a nation we drink 40% more than the low risk drinking guidelines of 14 units per week for men and women." "That is where this new legislation comes in, and I am confident that over the first five years of its operation, minimum unit pricing will reduce the number of alcohol-specific deaths by hundreds, and hospital admissions by thousands." she added.
Minimum alcohol pricing comes into effect in Scotland, mandating prices of at least 50p per unit. Scotland becomes the first country to introduce such a scheme.