1. From Awareness to Action –
The Scottish Experience
Dr Peter Rice MB, ChB, FRCPsych, FRCPE
Chair,
Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems

2. It’s aye been like this…..

3. IT’S ALL ABOUT
THEM NOT US

5. ISD 2005ISD 2005
Alcohol Related Deaths in Scotland 1980 - 2003

6. British Liver Trust / ONS 2009
UK MORTALITY TRENDS

9. WHAT IS SCOTTISH HEALTH
ACTION ON ALCOHOL PROBLEMS ?

15. The strategic aim of industry actors is to be perceived as key partners in the policy
making process.
They defend their right to be consulted on policy issues as relevant stakeholders
Industry able to offer policy solutions to ministers faced with a multitude of
problems and finite resources to address them.
Deliberate tactic to use the iconic nature of whisky…as a way to undermine
support for Minimum Unit Pricing.
Holden, Hawkins and McCambridge
Alcohol Research UK 2012
THE ALCOHOL INDUSTRY’S RESPONSE

19. The opinion of the Court of Session was that:
•Alcohol pricing was an issue on which member states have authority
to pass legislation.
•Restrictions on trade can be justified on health grounds.
•There must be good grounds to expect that the measure
proposed will achieve the government’s stated aims.
•The expected effectiveness of the measure must be well grounded
and likely to be more effective than other measures in achieving the
aims of the legislation.
•European legislation regarding trade harmonisation do not deal with
health considerations which remain the responsibility of member
states.

21. The opinion concludes:
In my opinion none of the challenges to
the minimum pricing measures is well
founded. There is no proper basis for
the petitioners being granted any of the
remedies which they seek. The petition
is refused.

22. ALCOHOL DEATHS ARE STARTING TO FALL
…..AFTER A 20 YEARS RISE

23. IS THE RECESSION HELPING ?
Appleby J BMJ 2012;344:bmj.e2634
©2012 by British Medical Journal Publishing Group

24. LESSONS FROM SCOTLAND
• Data is important.
• Have an overall game plan…..but keep your eye on the ball.
• Different organisations have different strengths. Front line staff have a
special role in public campaigns.
• Producers and retailers are obliged to act in their shareholders best
interest.
• You need luck AND skill.
• It doesn’t end………