A leading health charity is calling on the SNP Government to implement a “booze tax” on supermarkets and shops in a bid to tackle the harm caused by alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol Focus Scotland’s chief executive, Alison Douglas, has suggested that increasing business rates could generate around £60 million to support treatment services. As the minority SNP Government prepares to reveal its draft budget in December, the support of other parties remains uncertain. The Greens are a potential ally and have advocated for the reintroduction of higher taxes on outlets selling alcohol and tobacco, a move previously adopted by Nicola Sturgeon’s government. Douglas emphasised the urgency of addressing alcohol-related harm, citing a 15-year high in alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland. The social costs of alcohol in the country are estimated at up to £10 billion annually, placing strain on healthcare and social services.
While Alcohol Focus Scotland supports minimum unit pricing, Douglas highlighted that supermarkets have profited from this measure, with an estimated annual revenue increase of over £30 million. Proposing a levy on non-domestic rates for alcohol-selling retailers, Douglas suggested that this could raise £57 million, primarily from large supermarket chains. This additional revenue could then be directed towards local prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. Government data reveals that in 2023 alone, 1,277 alcohol-related deaths were recorded in Scotland, underscoring the urgent need for action.
Green MSP Gillian Mackay echoed the call for supermarkets to contribute towards mitigating the health and social costs of alcohol and tobacco, emphasising the importance of supporting frontline recovery services. With the forthcoming budget providing an opportunity for action, there is hope for cross-party collaboration to address the pressing public health issue. By introducing a public health levy, the Scottish Government could ensure that resources are allocated to support those affected by alcohol-related harm.
The debate surrounding the proposed ‘booze tax’ comes amidst concerns over the impact of alcohol on public health, as well as the financial burden it places on society. With stakeholders advocating for measures to hold retailers accountable for the consequences of their products, the upcoming budget announcement will be closely watched for indications of the Government’s commitment to tackling alcohol-related harm. The push for a supermarket ‘booze tax’ reflects a broader effort to address the complex challenges posed by excessive alcohol consumption and its far-reaching effects on individuals and communities.