Samuel Acuff
Samuel Acuff
Professor John Holmes - Minimum Unit Pricing
Professor John Holmes - Minimum Unit Pricing
Professor John Holmes - Minimum Unit Pricing
Monday 13th October 2025
Explore how minimum unit pricing for alcohol can reduce consumption and harm, with insights from Professor John Holmes on its implementation in Scotland.
72 minutes
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Author:
Samuel Acuff
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Body & Mind
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Get the buttons here!The Impact of Minimum Unit Pricing on Alcohol Consumption
Episode Overview
- Minimum unit pricing effectively reduces alcohol consumption and related harm.
- Heavier drinkers, especially those on lower incomes, see the most significant impact.
- The policy faces legal challenges but is backed by strong evidence for public health benefits.
- Concerns about financial strain among economically vulnerable individuals are acknowledged.
- Strategic pricing can serve as a powerful tool in reducing alcohol-related harm.
"If you want to reduce alcohol dependence, there are much better things you can do."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this engaging episode, Professor John Holmes joins hosts Dr. Noah Emery and Samuel Acuff to unpack the intricacies of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol. As a renowned expert in alcohol policy, Professor Holmes shares his unconventional journey into the field and provides a detailed look at the research and modelling behind MUP.
Listeners are taken through the history of MUP's implementation in Scotland, highlighting the challenges and legal battles faced along the way. The episode delves into how this policy affects different drinker demographics, revealing its success in reducing alcohol consumption and related harms, particularly among heavy drinkers. Holmes also addresses the policy's impact on people with alcohol dependence, acknowledging concerns about financial strain while noting the lack of evidence for increased illicit drug use or crime.
With a focus on understanding how policy can influence public health, this episode offers valuable insights into how strategic pricing can serve as a tool for reducing alcohol-related harm. As you listen, consider how these policies might affect communities globally and what role they could play in shaping healthier societies.