No clear public support for minimum pricing of alcohol

As Hogmanay approaches, many Scots will come together tonight to celebrate with a wee dram to bring in the bells. However, what do they think about the Scottish Government's plans to increase the price of alcohol?

According to our latest Scottish Public Opinion Monitor, most Scots (58%) do think there should be an increase in the price of at least some types of alcohol. Around a third (34%) think that the government should put up the price of discounted and low-price alcohol only, while around a quarter (24%) think the government should put up the tax on all alcoholic drinks. Despite this, a sizeable proportion of Scots (38%) think that the government should avoid increasing the price of any alcohol.

Our survey also revealed clear differences in opinion by gender and age. Men were more likely than women to think the government should not put up the price of any alcohol (42% compared to 34%). Younger respondents were more likely to think the government should resist putting up the price of any alcohol (52% of those aged 18-24 compared to 34% of those aged 55 and over), while older respondents were more likely to think the government should put up the tax on all alcoholic drinks (29% of those aged 55 and over compared to 16% of those aged 18-24).

In addition, respondents living in urban areas were more likely to think the government should not put up the price of any alcohol (40% compared to 29% of those living in rural areas), while those living in rural areas were more likely to think the government should put up the tax on all alcoholic drinks (31% compared to 22% of those living in urban areas).

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Technical note

Based on interviews with 1,001 adults aged 18+ between 18th August and 21st November 2010.