Doctors who see the effects of heavy drinking on people’s health are calling for radical measures to stop covid-19 worsening the country’s alcohol problem.

They are warning that action is needed now to tackle problems being stored up during the covid-19 pandemic, which has accelerated a long-term shift to people drinking at home.

One of the proposals is for tougher regulations on availability in shops, including the prospect of only allowing government-run shops to sell alcohol.

This model is already being used in Sweden and in some parts of Canada, such as Ontario province, where until recently only one publicly-owned company could sell beer, wine and spirits.

Also included in the manifesto for change is a minimum income for healthy living to protect the most vulnerable during the economic downturn.

Surveys have found that people turned to drinking as a way to deal with stress during the pandemic and there are concerns these habits could linger if support is not available.

Dr Peter Rice, Chair of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), said: “We do not yet know what long-term impact the pandemic will have on people’s drinking behaviours, though research so far indicates that heavier drinkers have increased their consumption.

“Our 2021 manifesto highlights cost-effective, evidence-based policies that, if properly implemented, will work to ensure that covid-19 does not exacerbate alcohol-related harm and health inequalities in Scotland, and that we are able to meet long-term public health goals that are essential if we are to build a healthier, fairer future.”

In 2018, alcohol was the main cause in the deaths of 1,136 people in Scotland – an average of 22 every week.

This does not include deaths where alcohol was a contributory factor, such as road accidents and cancer.

The manifesto for the upcoming 2021 Scottish Parliament elections, which has been unveiled by SHAAP, calls for measures in four key areas.

These include making alcohol less affordable, available and attractive; boosting support services; reducing inequalities; and protecting children and young people.

This includes reviewing the Minimum Unit Pricing policy for alcohol, which has been in place since 2018 to raise the cost of cheap alcohol in shops.

Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems says that the 50p per unit floor price should be increased ‘if necessary’ and is calling for more ambitious targets to reduce alcohol-related hospital admissions.

Alcohol taxes should be increased and applied proportionately so that stronger drinks cost more, the group says.

SHAAP Interim Director Lindsay Paterson said that “all deaths from alcohol are preventable”.

“SHAAP recognises that as a result of the covid-19 pandemic we currently face unprecedented challenges to public health in Scotland, and pressure on public finances,” she said.

“But at last estimate problematic use of alcohol cost the Scottish economy £3.56bn per year – now is the time for bold action on alcohol problems, and our 2021 Manifesto shows where we need to push harder and go further to take this action.”

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