How might the Alcohol Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) impact upon local off-sales shops and the communities which they serve?

Forsyth, A., Ellaway, A. and Davidson, N. (2014) How might the Alcohol Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) impact upon local off-sales shops and the communities which they serve? Alcohol and Alcoholism, 49(1), pp. 96-102. (doi: 10.1093/alcalc/agt175)

[img]
Preview
Text
87079.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

197kB

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the likely impact of the Scottish Government's proposed alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP) policy on community off-sales outlets (convenience stores or corner shops), and, in turn, on the local people who purchase drinks at such premises. This research adds to our knowledge by linking sales of alcohol products which will be affected by MUP (e.g. at the proposed 50 ppu) to the types of communities where these are the ‘drinks-of-choice’. Methods: A survey of independent community off-sales operating within the city of Glasgow, Scotland (n = 271) returned 144 completed questionnaires enquiring about each shop's customer base, best-selling alcohol products and participating shopkeepers' views on MUP. Responses were measured against current alcohol product prices (i.e. whether potentially affected by MUP) and local levels of socio-economic deprivation. Results: Participating shopkeepers were divided in their support for MUP, although more were in favour than against. Support for MUP tended to be rooted in business concerns. A majority reported having at least one best-selling alcohol product which will be affected by the proposed MUP policy at current prices, with the beverages that would be most affected (e.g. white cider) tending to be best-sellers at shops serving deprived communities. Conclusion: MUP is likely to impact most in socio-economically deprived communities. This is also where alcohol-related health and other inequalities are currently greatest.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ellaway, Dr Anne
Authors: Forsyth, A., Ellaway, A., and Davidson, N.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:Alcohol and Alcoholism
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISSN:0735-0414
ISSN (Online):1464-3502
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2013 The Authors
First Published:First published in Alcohol and Alcoholism 49(1):96-102
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record