Scotland drinks 25% more alcohol

A shocking new study reveals that Scots are drinking 25% more alcohol than people in the south

They're shocking statistics, but particularly for the Scots, as new figures reveal that they drink the equivalent of 46 bottles of vodka per year - or 130 bottles of wine. The total is an incredible 25% more than what is consumed in England.

This will be the first time that alcohol sales per head from supermarkets were more than double of those of pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish health minister, said: ‘All the evidence tells us that the big rise in Scottish alcohol consumption in recent decades is closely linked with the 70% drop in alcohol's relative cost.

‘Currently there is nothing to stop supermarkets selling alcohol more cheaply than bottled water and that's why it's possible to exceed the weekly drinking guidelines for a man for less than £3.50.'

The Scottish Executive-commissioned report showed the equivalent of 50.5 million litres of pure alcohol was sold in Scotland in the year September 2009 - enough for every drinker over the age of 18 to exceed the recommended maximum level for men and women.

But unfortunately, despite everyone admitting that there is a problem, there is no unanimity about how to deal with it.

Murdo Fraser, Scottish Tory deputy leader, said he backs using taxation to increase the cost of ‘problem drinks', such as alcopops and super-strength beers, but not the SNP policy of indiscriminate blanket minimum pricing.

What ever the solution, it is clear that something needs to be done and fast, before the problem gets any worse.

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