This week is the one-year anniversary of minimum unit pricing (MUP) in Scotland. Since the introduction of the policy, we have continuously invested in IRI market data to understand its impact.

This data can be downloaded here, which compares 40 weeks of MUP to the same period in the previous year and Scotland against the rest of the UK.

The full statement that we have provided to the media commenting on this impact can be found below.

“Aston Manor has been consistent in our willingness to work with governments and any agency to develop effective and proportionate approaches to tackle the harms created by alcohol misuse.

"We have also been consistent in our view that minimum pricing is not effective and not proportionate. 

"It was clear to us that lots of people would simply replace what they used to drink with something else - often higher strength products - with no overall reduction in alcohol consumed.

“Also that an unintended consequence of the policy would be to dramatically distort the drinks market, something that penalises those on lower incomes given the regressive nature of minimum pricing. This has also narrowed consumer choice with many value and own label products withdrawn.

"It was also clear to very many that the claims of a minimal impact on moderate drinkers were simply wrong. It will also not support pubs and bar - even the forecast model itself supports that view.

"On all of these points, the evidence of the first year of operation is that what we said would happen, has happened. And perhaps even more than we anticipated.

"The view of frontline drug and alcohol workers in two studies is that whole population measures, like this complicated and untested model, will not be effective in tackling the complex reasons why a minority of people misuse alcohol and create harm for themselves and those around them.

"It is no surprise to see that, assuming the established pattern continues, senior politicians are calling for the review into minimum pricing to happen sooner than was planned."

The analyses and interpretations contained in this document have been performed by Aston Manor Cider using data provided by Information Resources (UK) Ltd (“IRI”).  

IRI takes no responsibility for any such analyses, interpretations or conclusions drawn by Aston Manor Cider.

The underlying IRI data, if any, contained in this document is owned exclusively by IRI and is provided on a strictly confidential basis and cannot be disclosed to any other party.

IRI is a leading provider of retailer measurement services and related solutions in the United Kingdom, for further details please see www.iriworldwide.com.