Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) Continuation and future pricing: Equality Impact Assessment - Results

Key Findings

Age

There are differences in alcohol consumption by age meaning that the continuation of MUP, and any change in price level, are likely to affect people in different age groups in different ways. PHS’s final evaluation report of MUP noted analysis of Kantar Alcovision data^[13] which found reductions in consumption were greater in the older age groups, particularly for men, and for those living in less deprived areas.^[12]

Those under 18 years of age generally reported that MUP had not affected their alcohol consumption, largely because price was a relatively minor factor in their decision to drink alcohol. Broader context on trends in alcohol consumption among those aged under 18 are set out in the Health Behaviour of School Aged Children Scotland Study. Findings from the 2022 Health Behaviour of School Aged Children Scotland Study reports that levels of drunkenness among adolescents have declined steadily over time and are now at their lowest level for 32 years^[13].

The PHS evaluation reports the older age cohort (75+) contains a lower proportion of those who have highest levels of consumption as well as the highest proportion of non-drinkers.

There is no evidence that MUP has had a differential negative impact on those within a certain age group nor that MUP exacerbates age inequalities.

The evaluation reported on statistically significant estimated reductions in deaths wholly attributable to alcohol consumption amongst specific social groups including males, females, people aged 35-65, people aged 65 and older and the four most socioeconomically deprived deciles. These estimated reductions in deaths wholly attributable to alcohol consumption were largest amongst men, those aged 65 years and older, and those living in the 40% most deprived areas in Scotland. The continuation of MUP at 65ppu is likely to reduce alcohol consumption and harms across all age groups with a potentially greater positive impact on older age groups, in line with the findings of the evaluation of MUP at 50ppu.

Disability

There is no direct evidence on the impact MUP may have on disabled people.

The available evidence suggests that people with a long-term health condition or disability are less likely to drink to hazardous/harmful levels than those without, and are likely to consume less units of alcohol on average per week.^[14] It is unlikely that the continuation of MUP at a price of 65ppu will have a specific differential impact on disabled people.

Sex

MUP is estimated to have reduced deaths directly caused by alcohol consumption (wholly attributable) in Scotland compared to what would have happened in the absence of MUP. The overall reduction was driven by reductions in deaths due to chronic causes, such as alcoholic liver disease. The observed reductions in wholly attributable deaths and hospital admissions were greatest among men and those living in the most deprived areas of Scotland.^[15]

The continuation of MUP, and any price change, is likely to reduce alcohol consumption across the population, amongst both men and women. There is likely to be a slight differential positive impact on men, who consume more alcohol on average and therefore suffer more from alcohol harms (deaths, hospitalisations).

Pregnancy and maternity

Given there is, at a population level, low levels of alcohol consumption amongst pregnant women in Scotland, it is unlikely that continuation of MUP at 65ppu will have a significant impact on this group.

Sexual Orientation

There is no direct evidence on how those in the LGBTQ+ community have been impacted by MUP. Evidence suggests that those in the LGBTQ+ community are likely to have higher levels of alcohol consumption than other sub-groups.^[16] This might suggest that, given MUP reduces consumption amongst those who drink the most, this sub-group are likely to be impacted positively by the continuation of MUP at 65ppu.

Gender reassignment

There is a lack of information on alcohol consumption amongst trans people. Whilst the evidence above does include trans people there is not enough disaggregation to be able to draw specific conclusions. There is no evidence that the continuation of MUP at 65ppu would have a disproportionate impact on the people who identify as trans.

Race

MUP targets a reduction of alcohol consumption across the whole population. Evidence demonstrates that it has reduced consumption for those in households who purchase the most alcohol.^[17] Therefore those in any racial group who drink to hazardous or harmful levels are likely to be positively impacted by MUP as it may reduce their alcohol consumption and improve their health. Given we know that those who are white tend to drink the most, the continuation of MUP at 65ppu is most likely to have a positive impact on this sub-group.^[18] There is no evidence of MUP having a negative impact on any racial group.

Religion

MUP targets a reduction of alcohol consumption across the whole population. Evidence demonstrates that it has reduced consumption for those in households who purchase the most alcohol. Therefore those in any religious group who drink to hazardous or harmful levels are likely to be positively impacted by MUP as it may reduce their alcohol consumption and improve their health. Given we know that those who are Christian or do not belong to a religious group drink the most alcohol, the continuation of MUP at 65ppu is most likely to have a positive impact on these groups.^[19] There is no evidence of MUP having a negative impact on any religious group. Many other religious groups have lower levels of alcohol consumption on average, those within these groups are therefore less likely to be impacted by the continuation of MUP at 65ppu.