New research from the University of Sheffield has assessed the potential effectiveness of minimum pricing policies for tobacco that could help reduce smoking rates and improve health in Scotland. The research, commissioned by Public Health Scotland, aimed to identify what impact a minimum price for hand-rolled and factory-made cigarettes would have on the number of people who smoke in Scotland, as well as the potential health outcomes. Researchers found that increasing the price of the cheapest tobacco products through minimum pricing could lead to reductions in smoking prevalence, especially among disadvantaged groups where smoking-related harms are highest.
Modest estimates are that even a 60p minimum price would lead to 16,327 people stopping in the next ten years if implemented this year. This would contribute to 1,467 fewer hospital admissions, preventing 285 deaths, and adding an additional 6,792 years of life to the Scottish population by 2034. The report recommends combining minimum pricing with increased tax to help recoup industry profits associated with any price rises.
It also highlights the importance of a range of other measures that could contribute to reducing smoking rates and associated harm. Research author, Dr. Duncan Gillespie from the University of Sheffield's School of Medicine and Population Health, said, "Not only would a 60p minimum price for tobacco add nearly 7,000 years of life to the Scottish population by 2034, but it would also save the NHS mil.
