MINIMUM pricing of alcohol has not led to the most problematic, alcohol dependent, drinkers reducing their consumption, according to a new report.

The study for Public Health Scotland found some people spent less on food and bills to pay for higher priced alcohol.

The policy, introduced in 2018 setting a minimum unit price of 50p, was designed to reduce alcohol consumption among the most problematic drinkers, particularly people drinking high-strength drinks like white cider of strong lager.

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The University of Sheffield, the University of Newcastle (Australia) and Figure 8 Consultancy Services carried out the research to understand how those with alcohol dependency responded to the changes.

The researchers concluded: “The introduction of a £0.50 MUP in Scotland led to a marked increase in the prices paid for alcohol by people with alcohol dependence. There is no clear evidence that this led to reduced alcohol consumption or levels of alcohol dependence among people drinking at harmful levels.

“There is some evidence it increased financial strain among economically vulnerable groups but no clear evidence that it caused wider negative consequences, such as increased criminality, illicit substance use or acute withdrawal.”

The research paper published comments from people who took part in the study.

It included one person describing going to foodbanks so that they and their partner could continue purchasing Frosty Jack’s at its higher post-MUP price.

They said: “So we went to quite a few food banks, which I feel bad for, do you know what I mean? But I was always honest with them that we spent it all on drink.”

Another said: “I’ve sold pretty much everything I had. I’ve no tools left, I’ve no life left, all my clothes are bogging. I’ve lost everything, if you want an honest answer, there you go.”

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It also found it did give some people a “nudge”  to seek treatment.

One said : “I’d say it’s it’s been a good thing in a way, but not so good in some ways, know what I mean, because in some ways for me, it’s not been good for me financially. But I suppose it’s a good thing to help me try and stop.”

Professor John Holmes, professor of alcohol policy at the University of Sheffield and who led the overall study, said: “We know from previous studies that MUP reduced alcohol sales, including among those who bought the most alcohol before the policy.

“Our study shows that people with alcohol dependence responded to MUP in very different ways. Some reduced their spending on other things but others switched to lower strength drinks or simply bought less alcohol.”

Helen Chung Patterson, public health intelligence adviser at Public Health Scotland, said: “People who drink at harmful levels, and particularly those with alcohol dependence, are a diverse group with complex needs who often experience multiple interacting health and social problems. They are therefore unlikely to respond to MUP in one single or simple way.”

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.