New report shows minimum unit pricing on hasn't dissuaded alcoholics from drinking

The introduction of minimum unit pricing in Scotland hasn't dissuaded alcoholics from drinking, according to a new report.

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The measure, which was rolled out in Ireland in January, has seen some heavy drinkers cutting back on essentials to cover the higher cost of alcohol.

Heavy drinkers are going without food and heating so that they can pay the higher price of alcohol, according to a new report commissioned by the NHS Scotland.

In some cases, heavy drinkers spent almost 30 per cent less on essentials.

Despite these findings, Head of Addiction Services at St John of God's Hospital, Professor Colin O'Gara says the measure reduces alcohol harm overall:

"If you restrict access and reduce availability you reduce end harm".

This research also found there's no evidence minimum unit pricing caused a reduction in alcohol consumption.

Addiction Counsellor Michael Guerin says for alcoholics, the price of drink will not act as a deterrent, saying "no matter what the price, they will prioritise and fixate upon the alcohol". 

While Alcohol Action Ireland's Eunan McKinney supports MUP - he says the government need to support people out of addiction:

"We need to address the core issues that are driving that alcohol dependency issue and also ensuring that people who are at a point in their journey that they're available to get timely interventions."

A small minority of respondents in this survey did report drinking less each day as a result of higher alcohol prices.