Article
Implementation of alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP): a qualitative study with small retailers
Details
Citation
Stead M, Eadie D, Purves RI, McKell J, Critchlow N, Angus K, Angus C & Fitzgerald N (2022) Implementation of alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP): a qualitative study with small retailers. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2022.2075251
Abstract
Minimum unit pricing for alcohol (MUP) came into effect on 1st May 2018 in Scotland, raising the price of the cheapest shop-bought alcohol. Small retailers are a key source of alcohol for communities, often located in areas of high alcohol-related harm. We sought to examine their experiences of MUP implementation and impact. We conducted semi-structured interviews in-store with 20 small retailers in central Scotland at two time points: October – November 2017 (6–7 months pre-implementation); and October – November 2018 (5–6 months post-implementation). Prior to implementation, some retailers did not understand MUP, including how prices would link to product strength, or were concerned about anticipated implementation burden. Several expressed support for reducing ‘problem’ drinking or suggested that MUP would increase alcohol prices in supermarkets bringing them into line with small retailers. Despite initial concerns, small retailers reported minimal disruption following implementation of MUP, which was generally straightforward. Compliance was taken seriously and price calculations relatively manageable. Few/no negative reactions from customers were reported. Some felt that the measure enabled them to better compete with larger retailers/supermarkets. Concerns about MUP expressed by some trade bodies prior to implementation were largely not borne out in the experiences of small retailers
Keywords
alcohol policy; retail; policy implementation; pricing; public health; qualitative research; interviews; Scotland
Notes
Output Status: Forthcoming/Available Online
Journal
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy
Status | In Press |
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Funders | NHS Health Scotland |
Publication date online | 15/05/2022 |
Date accepted by journal | 03/05/2022 |
URL | http://hdl.handle.net/1893/34324 |
Publisher | Informa UK Limited |
ISSN | 0968-7637 |
eISSN | 1465-3370 |
People (5)
People
Ms Kathryn Angus
Research Officer, Institute for Social Marketing
Dr Nathan Critchlow
Research Fellow, Institute for Social Marketing
Professor Niamh Fitzgerald
Professor, Institute for Social Marketing
Miss Jennifer McKell
Research Fellow 1, Institute for Social Marketing
Dr Richard Purves
Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Social Marketing