A minimum unit price on alcohol has today come into force in Scotland, meaning the price of cheap, high-strength alcohol has increased.
The law, which sets a floor price for drinks depending on how many units of alcohol they contain, was passed in 2012 and Scottish Government said the move would cut consumption and save lives.
Commenting on the introduction of minimum alcohol unit pricing in Scotland, due to come into force tomorrow, Professor Steve Turner, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Officer for Scotland, said:
Alcohol consumption by parents affects children in several ways - it damages the developing brain in the womb and is known to increase the likelihood of domestic abuse, child neglect and child poverty. Increasing the price of cheap, strong alcohol will reduce this harm to children and young people in Scotland, improving their physical and mental wellbeing. We now would like to see other nations who are yet to implement an introduction of minimum alcohol unit pricing follow-suit so similar health benefits are felt elsewhere.