Scotland becomes one of the first countries in the world to introduce minimum alcohol pricing

Scotland introduced minimum unit pricing on alcohol. The country tries to improve public health by raising the cost of cheap, drinks favored by young people and binge-drinkers, Reuters reports.
After the changes, a unit of alcohol, defined as 10 milliliters (8 grammes) of pure alcohol, must not cost less than 50 pence ($0.68).

The Scottish government won a landmark court case against the Scottish Whisky Association in November, allowing it to go ahead with the move.

Over the first five years of this policy the estimate is that several hundred fewer deaths from alcohol will be recorded and we will reduce admissions to hospital,” Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Sky News.

Scotland becomes one of the first countries in the world to introduce minimum alcohol pricing. The increase on mainly cheaper white ciders and value spirits will help to cut alcohol-related deaths, the Scottish government aims.