Calls to raise Wales’ Minimum Unit Pricing for Alcohol to 65p following new report

Independent evaluations of Wales’ minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol suggest the policy has successfully reduced the availability of cheap, high-strength drinks, with experts recommending the price be raised to 65p per unit.

The policy, which came into force on 2 March 2020, requires all alcoholic drinks to be sold at a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol.

Designed to tackle harmful drinking, the measure has targeted products like ‘white ciders’ and heavily discounted spirits, which are disproportionately consumed by hazardous drinkers.

Under the law, the minimum price of alcohol is based on its strength, with one unit equating to 10ml of pure alcohol.

For example, a bottle of vodka containing 26 units must cost at least £13, while large plastic bottles of strong cider previously sold for as little as £3.50 saw their prices more than double.

The Welsh Government introduced the law after evidence from Scotland, which implemented MUP in 2018, showed it could help reduce alcohol-related harm, including health issues such as liver disease, heart disease, and cancer.

Four independent studies, published today, evaluated the impact of the policy against a backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic and cost-of-living pressures.

The reports found the legislation has been broadly welcomed and effectively implemented, with significant reductions in the sale of harmful, cheap alcohol.

Sarah Murphy MS, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said: “This is a positive step towards reducing alcohol-related harm and supporting people to drink responsibly in Wales.”

Key findings include:

• Reduced availability of harmful products: Retailers have stopped stocking many cheap, high-strength products, and customers are buying less of them.
• Minimal cross-border shopping or substance substitution: Concerns that higher prices would drive individuals to buy alcohol in England or turn to illegal drugs were largely unfounded. Cross-border shopping was limited to communities near the border.
• High compliance: Trading Standards Wales reported over 3,000 inspections, with only six fines issued, reflecting strong adherence among retailers.

One report concluded that Wales should “renew rather than lose the option of the legislation as an alcohol policy measure” and recommended raising the minimum unit price to 65p to sustain the policy’s value and align with inflation.

Service providers and professionals broadly support the policy’s continuation, with some suggesting gradual price increases to maximise its public health benefits.

The Welsh Government has invested more than £67 million annually in substance misuse initiatives, including £6.25 million specifically for children and young people.

Ms Murphy emphasised that MUP is only one part of a broader public health strategy to tackle alcohol-related harm.

A statutory report on the operation and effects of the legislation is now being prepared, with input from a 12-week consultation and public surveys conducted by Public Health Wales.

The Health and Social Care Committee has also been asked to undertake a call for evidence on the policy.

Ms Murphy concluded: “This evaluation provides important evidence that the policy is working, but there is more to do to ensure we continue to protect public health in Wales.”