1. What is Scottish Minimum Unit Pricing?

Scottish Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) is a policy that sets a floor price for alcohol based on its strength and volume. The current rate is £0.50 per unit of alcohol, aimed at reducing harmful alcohol consumption.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Minimum Unit Pricing formula:

Where:

• \( \text{ABV \%} \) — Alcohol By Volume percentage
• \( \text{Volume} \) — Container volume in milliliters
• \( \text{Rate} \) — Minimum unit price rate (£0.50 per unit)

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: Minimum unit pricing aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by making cheap, high-strength alcohol less affordable, particularly targeting heavy drinkers while having minimal impact on moderate consumers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the ABV percentage, volume in milliliters, and the current rate (£0.50/unit). All values must be positive numbers to calculate the minimum legal price.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the current minimum unit price in Scotland?
A: The current rate is £0.50 per unit of alcohol, effective since May 1, 2018.

Q2: How is one unit of alcohol defined?
A: One unit equals 10mL (8g) of pure alcohol, which is approximately what an average adult can process in one hour.

Q3: Does this apply to all alcoholic drinks?
A: Yes, minimum unit pricing applies to all alcoholic beverages sold in Scotland, including beer, wine, spirits, and cider.

Q4: Why was minimum unit pricing introduced?
A: To tackle alcohol-related health and social problems by reducing the availability of cheap, high-strength alcohol.

Q5: Are there any exemptions?
A: Minimum pricing applies to all retail sales but does not affect the on-trade (pubs, restaurants) where drinks are already typically sold above the minimum price.