Cristina Tealdi (Heriot-Watt University)
Erkal Ersoy and Javid Karimli
This paper evaluates the impact of Scotlands Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) legislation on alcohol-related health outcomes and consumption behaviours. Employing a quasi-experimental modelling approach, we analyse changes following the policys implementation, with a particular focus on age-specific effects. Our findings indicate that MUP did not lead to significant reductions in alcohol-related hospitalisations, especially among individuals under the age of 25. However, we find evidence of positive behavioural responses, with reductions in both the frequency and intensity of alcohol consumption. These results highlight the potential of pricing-based interventions to encourage healthier drinking habits, particularly among younger populations.