A call for a public health levy on alcohol sales has been backed by campaigners.

Labour wants the Scottish Government to re-impose a tax on shops that sell alcohol to counter them making extra profit from minimum pricing.

Favor Scotland, which advocates for people in recovery from drugs and alcohol, has backed the plan as a method of funding vital support services.

READ NEXT: Promises made to tenants ahead of housing transfer vote

A previous public health levy was applied to big supermarkets selling alcohol in Scotland but it only lasted three years from 2012 to 2015, raising £95million.

Last month, in the 2024/25 budget document, the Scottish Government indicated “exploring” bringing the tax, back.

Carol Mochan, Labour, public health spokesperson, said big retailers were “cashing in” on the minimum pricing policy while councils are struggling to fund drug and alcohol support services.

Annemarie Ward, chief executive of Favor (Faces and Voices of Recovery, said: “On one side, the new alcohol pricing strategy is boosting retailers' profits by £40 million, while on the flip side, essential support services face a £46 million cut over five years.

READ NEXT: Homeowners angry in unfinished estate after firm goes bust

“The disproportionate impact on our poorest communities requires targeted interventions.

"This plea for a Public Health Levy echoes a longstanding concern for fair resource allocation.

"Scottish Labour's commitment to addressing economic interests, public health, and social justice is commendable. We urge policymakers to seriously consider this proposal to protect the well-being of those affected by alcohol addiction in Scotland." 

Labour said that minimum pricing needs properly funded services if it is to be effective in dealing with alcohol-related problems.

Mochan, said: “Alcohol abuse remains a major health hazard in Scotland, with lives being lost as a result.

"Despite this, the SNP's actions are allowing retailers to cash in on additional money from alcohol sales while frontline services are being cut.

"Scottish Labour is repeating its longstanding call for the implementation of a public health levy so that services and those who need them get the support that they need."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The Scottish Government is determined to do all we can to reduce alcohol-related harm and is working closely with Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and the third sector to do so.

"In 2022-23, £106 million was made available to ADPs, increasing to £112 million in 2023-24. This funding is used to ensure that local services meet the needs of people who experience alcohol and drugs harms.

"The announcement in the Scottish Budget 2024-25 signalled the Scottish Government's intent to explore the reintroduction of a Public Health Supplement. All relevant stakeholders will be consulted as part of that exploratory work."