1. What is Minimum Alcohol Pricing Scotland?

Minimum Alcohol Pricing (MUP) is a policy implemented in Scotland that sets a floor price for alcoholic beverages based on their alcohol content. The current minimum price is £0.50 per unit of alcohol.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Scottish MUP formula:

Where:

• \( ABV \% \) — Alcohol by Volume percentage
• \( Volume \) — Volume of beverage in litres
• \( £0.50/unit \) — Minimum price per unit of alcohol

Explanation: One unit of alcohol is defined as 10ml of pure alcohol. The formula calculates the minimum legal price based on the total alcohol content.

3. Importance of Minimum Pricing

Details: The policy aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by preventing the sale of cheap, high-strength alcohol. It particularly targets heavy drinkers who consume large quantities of low-cost alcohol.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter ABV percentage (typically 3-60%) and volume in litres. All values must be valid (ABV > 0, volume > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a unit of alcohol?
A: In the UK, one unit is 10ml (8g) of pure alcohol. This is the amount an average adult can process in one hour.

Q2: Does this apply to all alcoholic beverages?
A: Yes, the minimum pricing applies to all alcoholic drinks sold in Scotland including beer, wine, spirits, and cider.

Q3: How is the minimum price enforced?
A: Retailers in Scotland are legally required to sell alcohol at or above the calculated minimum price based on this formula.

Q4: Can the minimum price change?
A: The Scottish Government can review and adjust the minimum unit price, but it has been set at £0.50 per unit since implementation.

Q5: Are there any exemptions?
A: The policy applies to all retail sales but may have different implications for licensed premises and hospitality venues.