Canada, SK: Strong beer consumption down after the introduction of a minimum pricing policy

Consumption of strong beer in Canada’s Saskatchewan province fell by more than one-fifth after the introduction of a minimum pricing policy for alcohol, The Herald reported on October, 19.

A research, carried out in the province of Saskatchewan, where minimum pricing was introduced two years ago, showed the policy has led to a significant reduction in the consumption of cheap, high strength alcohol products.

The findings, published in the American Journal of Public Health, found a 10% increase in the minimum prices reduced total consumption by 8%.

However, the effect was more pronounced in relation to the strongest alcoholic drinks, with a 10% increase in the minimum price of beer associated with a 22% decrease in consumption of higher strength ales.

Researchers found drinkers started to favour lower alcohol content beer, wine and cocktails after the price increases for stronger products.

Professor Tim Stockwell, lead author of the study, said: "As cheaper alcohol is preferred by young and heavier drinkers, both of whom are more liable to experience alcohol-related harms, price increases that target the cheapest, strongest alcohol products are likely to have significant public health benefits."

19 October, 2012