Scots Drive Across the English Border to Buy Cheaper Alcohol as Minimum Pricing Hits Whisky and Beer in Scotland

As Christmas approaches, many Scots are heading south across the English border in increasing numbers, seeking lower prices on their favourite tipples.

The reason behind this festive exodus? The Scottish Government’s recent hike in minimum alcohol prices, which has pushed costs up by a staggering 30%.

With prices climbing, many are turning to stores in Cumbria, particularly around Carlisle, where they can still find affordable alcohol.

The Price Hike and Its Impact

The price increase, which took effect in September, has had a noticeable impact on everyday drink prices.

A bottle of Scotch whisky, for example, now has a minimum price of £18.20, up from £14.

Other drinks have seen similar hikes, with a 500ml can of 4% lager now costing at least £1.30, compared to £1 before.

Even wine saw an increase, with bottles containing up to ten units rising from a minimum of £5 to £6.50.

As a result, more and more Scots have been crossing the border to places like Carlisle, just 10 miles from Scotland, in search of cheaper alcohol.

One local shop, The House of Malt, has noticed a significant uptick in Scottish customers stocking up on booze.

According to the shop’s operations manager, Piers Foster, whisky sales in particular have been strong, with many customers buying multiple bottles at a time.

Local Stores Benefit from Scottish Shoppers

Foster commented that the price hike has certainly become a frequent topic of conversation in his store.

“They keep bringing it up,” he said, “It does seem to be an issue.”

In fact, many Scottish shoppers have shared laughs with the staff about the situation, but the reality remains that they’re traveling south to get their drinks at a better price.

Before the price hike, some shopkeepers predicted that this situation would lead to more Scots driving to England to make their purchases.

And with the holiday season approaching, it seems this trend has become even more apparent.

The Controversy Over Minimum Alcohol Pricing

The rise in alcohol-related deaths in Scotland has sparked further controversy over the effectiveness of the policy.

Alcohol-linked deaths have reached a 15-year high, with 1,277 deaths recorded last year—an increase of one from 2022.

Critics, including Conservative MSP Oliver Mundell, have argued that the policy has not only failed to reduce alcohol deaths, but also benefited shops across the border.

“Bars and shops just over the border will be toasting the SNP,” Mundell remarked, pointing out that England is benefiting from Scotland’s stricter alcohol pricing.

The SNP, however, defends the policy, with health spokesman Neil Gray claiming that the minimum unit pricing (MUP) has helped save lives and reduce alcohol-related hospital admissions.

He acknowledged, however, that more work needs to be done to tackle alcohol deaths.

Calls for Further Action

Health organizations like Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (Shaap) and Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS) argue that while MUP has had some positive effects, it needs to be updated annually to keep pace with inflation and ensure that the cheapest, most harmful alcohol doesn’t become more accessible.

They also believe the government must take more comprehensive action beyond pricing changes, including reforms to alcohol marketing.

There is growing concern that without further measures, Scotland’s ongoing battle with alcohol-related health issues will continue to worsen.

What’s next for Scotland’s alcohol policy remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: as the debate continues, both Scots and local shops in England are feeling the ripple effects.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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