This final report and briefing paper look at the impact of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) in Scotland on those drinking at harmful levels. The report describes the final findings from a study of the effects of MUP on people who are drinking at harmful levels. It was commissioned by Public Health Scotland as one component of their programme evaluating MUP in Scotland.

Conclusions:
The introduction of a £0.50 MUP in Scotland led to a marked increase in the prices paid for alcohol by people with alcohol dependence. There is no clear evidence that this led to reduced alcohol consumption or changes in the severity of alcohol dependence among people drinking at harmful levels. There is some evidence it increased financial strain among some economically vulnerable groups but no clear evidence that it caused wider negative consequences, such as increased criminality, illicit substance use or acute withdrawal. People with alcohol dependence received little information or support prior to the introduction of MUP, but there is no clear evidence this led directly to any harmful outcomes.