Local Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed has welcomed new findings from Public Health Scotland, indicating alcohol consumption fell to a 26-year low in 2020.
In the annual Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy (MESAS) report, data is brought together regarding alcohol consumption, price and related harms. The report showed total alcohol sales fell 5% on the previous year, to the lowest level recorded since 1994.
The report also details a 10% year-on-year reduction in the number of deaths wholly caused by alcohol in 2019.
Evelyn Tweed MSP said:
‘The results of this report will help inform the national debate around our relationship with alcohol. Whilst many believed the impact of the pandemic and related restrictions would result in an increase in alcohol consumption, the report indicates the opposite has occurred.
‘Already we’ve seen alcohol sales fall since the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing in 2018. Whilst it will take time for the full effects of reduced consumption to be evidenced in health outcomes, I welcome the approach of the Scottish Government towards reducing alcohol-related harms. The hospitality industry has shown an ability to adapt to new tastes and trends, with many local businesses here in Stirling now offering a growing range of non-alcoholic alternatives. I welcome their expansion and growth over the coming years, as the sector continues to recover from the pandemic.’
