The Scottish National Party is exploring radical new measures to tackle smoking rates by introducing alcohol-style minimum unit pricing for tobacco products, the Daily Mail can reveal.
Following what ministers describe as the 'success' of Scotland's minimum alcohol pricing policy, health officials are now investigating whether similar restrictions could be applied to cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Mirroring Alcohol Strategy
Sources within the Scottish Government confirm that early-stage discussions are underway about creating a price floor for tobacco. This would mean that no cigarettes could be sold below a set price, regardless of brand or retailer.
The move represents the next frontier in Scotland's public health interventions, building upon the existing minimum unit pricing for alcohol that was implemented in 2018.
Health Campaigners Applaud Proposal
Public health advocates have welcomed the potential policy, arguing that it could significantly reduce smoking rates, particularly among younger people and those on lower incomes.
"We know that price is one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking prevalence," said one health campaigner familiar with the discussions. "Minimum pricing would prevent the sale of ultra-cheap tobacco that currently undermines public health efforts."
Critics Warn of Unintended Consequences
Opponents of the plan have raised concerns about several potential negative outcomes:
- Increased financial burden on existing smokers, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Risk of boosting the illicit tobacco trade as consumers seek cheaper alternatives
- Questionable effectiveness compared to existing tobacco control measures
- Potential for cross-border shopping with England
Business groups have also expressed anxiety about the impact on small retailers who rely on tobacco sales.
Scotland's Public Health Track Record
Scotland has frequently positioned itself at the forefront of public health legislation within the UK. The country pioneered the smoking ban in public places in 2006, well ahead of other UK nations.
The potential tobacco pricing policy represents the latest in a series of interventions that have sometimes placed Scotland at odds with Westminster over health policy jurisdiction.
As discussions progress, all eyes will be on whether Scotland will once again break new ground in tobacco control, potentially creating a template that other UK nations might eventually follow.
