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Scots 'drink 46 bottles of vodka' | Scots 'drink 46 bottles of vodka' |
(about 18 hours later) | |
Adults in Scotland are drinking the equivalent of 46 bottles of vodka each in a year, a study has suggested. | Adults in Scotland are drinking the equivalent of 46 bottles of vodka each in a year, a study has suggested. |
The research was based on industry sales data analysed by NHS Health Scotland. | The research was based on industry sales data analysed by NHS Health Scotland. |
It said sales for the year to September 2009 averaged 12.2 litres of pure alcohol per person over the age of 18. | It said sales for the year to September 2009 averaged 12.2 litres of pure alcohol per person over the age of 18. |
The Scottish government said the figure, which had remained static since 2005, was the equivalent of 537 pints or 130 bottles of wine per person. | The Scottish government said the figure, which had remained static since 2005, was the equivalent of 537 pints or 130 bottles of wine per person. |
The new figures come as the Scottish government pushes for a minimum price for alcohol to tackle the country's drink-related problems. | The new figures come as the Scottish government pushes for a minimum price for alcohol to tackle the country's drink-related problems. |
Minimum pricing | Minimum pricing |
In total, 50.5 million litres of pure alcohol were sold in Scotland last year, enough for every drinker over the age of 18 to exceed the weekly consumption guidelines. | In total, 50.5 million litres of pure alcohol were sold in Scotland last year, enough for every drinker over the age of 18 to exceed the weekly consumption guidelines. |
People in Scotland drank 25% more alcohol per head of population than individuals in England and Wales, the figures suggested. | People in Scotland drank 25% more alcohol per head of population than individuals in England and Wales, the figures suggested. |
In England and Wales, the total for the same period was 9.7 litres per person. | In England and Wales, the total for the same period was 9.7 litres per person. |
Average weekly sales for Scottish drinkers were 26.5 units per person over the age of 18, equivalent to about 11 pints of beer or three bottles of wine. | Average weekly sales for Scottish drinkers were 26.5 units per person over the age of 18, equivalent to about 11 pints of beer or three bottles of wine. |
In England and Wales, the figure was 21.8, slightly higher than the recommended weekly maximum for a man. | In England and Wales, the figure was 21.8, slightly higher than the recommended weekly maximum for a man. |
We need to consider radical measures to reduce the level of problem drinking but minimum unit pricing is not the answer Jackie BaillieScottish Labour | We need to consider radical measures to reduce the level of problem drinking but minimum unit pricing is not the answer Jackie BaillieScottish Labour |
Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said it was time for critics of minimum pricing to "wake up" to the scale of Scotland's drink problem. | Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said it was time for critics of minimum pricing to "wake up" to the scale of Scotland's drink problem. |
She added: "All the evidence tells us that the big rise in Scottish alcohol consumption in recent decades is closely linked with the 70% drop in alcohol's relative cost. | She added: "All the evidence tells us that the big rise in Scottish alcohol consumption in recent decades is closely linked with the 70% drop in alcohol's relative cost. |
"As a consequence, our country now faces an unprecedented burden from alcohol-related health problems, crime and lost economic productivity, which runs into billions and which we are all paying for. | "As a consequence, our country now faces an unprecedented burden from alcohol-related health problems, crime and lost economic productivity, which runs into billions and which we are all paying for. |
"Currently there is nothing to stop supermarkets selling alcohol more cheaply than bottled water and that's why it's possible to exceed the weekly drinking guidelines for a man for less than £3.50." | "Currently there is nothing to stop supermarkets selling alcohol more cheaply than bottled water and that's why it's possible to exceed the weekly drinking guidelines for a man for less than £3.50." |
Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie MSP said: "I believe that alcohol abuse is the most important public health issue we face in Scotland today. | Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie MSP said: "I believe that alcohol abuse is the most important public health issue we face in Scotland today. |
"We need to consider radical measures to reduce the level of problem drinking but minimum unit pricing is not the answer. | "We need to consider radical measures to reduce the level of problem drinking but minimum unit pricing is not the answer. |
"The truth is that Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon are promoting a scheme that will increase the profits of the supermarkets, but won't provide a single penny for more police officers or alcohol treatment. | "The truth is that Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon are promoting a scheme that will increase the profits of the supermarkets, but won't provide a single penny for more police officers or alcohol treatment. |
"The challenge now is for us to come up with something better. That is why we have created a commission under the chairmanship of Professor Sally Brown to consider ways of restricting cheap booze and tackling alcohol abuse." |