Research conducted by Public Health Scotland and the University of Glasgow estimated that MUP had reduced alcohol-attributable deaths by 13.4% – 156 a year – and was likely to have reduced hospital admissions wholly attributable to alcohol by 4.1% up to the end of 2020 compared to what would have happened if minimum unit pricing had not been in place.

Health secretary Neil Gray said: "Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities.

'Experts wrote to The Lancet, describing Public Health Scotland's evaluation of minimum unit pricing as "high-quality" and "comprehensive", and expressing confidence that there are several hundred people with low income in Scotland who are alive today as a result of this policy.'