New Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) on Alcohol in Scotland: What Convenience Store Owners Need to Know

The Scottish Government has recently updated its Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) regulations on alcohol, which impacts all businesses selling alcoholic drinks.

Why Has MUP Increased?

The Scottish Government decided to increase MUP to reflect changes in the cost of living and inflation. Since its introduction, the Scottish government claims that MUP has shown positive effects in reducing alcohol-related hospital admissions and deaths, particularly among heavy drinkers. By raising the price to 65p, the government aims to continue these public health improvements.

Impact on Your Store

Convenience stores will need to update the prices of affected products in line with the new MUP. Alcohol with a high alcohol content and low cost will be the most affected. ShopMate has a built-in function that, if you know the ABV (Alcohol by Volume) percentage, and the volume in the bottle / can / pack, the system will work out a legal minimum price.

Conclusion

The new MUP in Scotland marks a significant shift in the pricing of alcohol, particularly affecting low-cost, high-strength products. As a convenience store owner, it's important to be fully informed about the new rules to ensure your business remains compliant. By updating your pricing, educating your staff, and monitoring customer trends, you can navigate this regulatory change smoothly while continuing to serve your customers effectively.