trade industry who recognise the benefits minimum pricing can bring -- saving lives and reducing crime. "Since 45p was first proposed as the minimum price 18 months ago, we have seen inflation of around five per cent.  A minimum price of 50p takes this into account and will achieve a similar level of public health benefits to what 45p would have achieved in 2010." The Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill is shortly to start the final stage of the parliamentary process. The Bill looks to set a minimum price for a unit of alcohol as a condition of licence. It also sets the formula for calculating the minimum price (based on the strength of the alcohol, the volume of the alcohol and a price per unit of alcohol). According to a minimum pricing modelling study carried out by the University of Sheffield, it is estimated by that in the first year, introducing a minimum price of 50p would see: 60 fewer deaths 1,600 fewer hospital admissions A total value of harm reduction of 64 million Around 3,500 fewer crimes per year After 10 years, benefits would increase to: Over 300 fewer deaths annually 6,500 fewer hospital admissions A cumulative value of harm reduction of 942 million Chief Medical Officer Sir Harry Burns said: "For too long too many Scots have drunk too much and now it's time for tough action to address this. "I strongly support minimum pricing, as part of a wider framework of action, as the best chance