Minimum alcohol price in Wales to rise by 30%

Senedd members have backed Welsh government proposals to increase the minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol in Wales from 50p to 65p from October.

It means a can of lager currently available for £1 will cost at least £1.30, a £2.50 bottle of cider will increase to £3.25 and a bottle of whisky now costing £14 will cost a minimum of £18.20.

Welsh ministers say this "landmark policy to help reduce deaths and harm from excess alcohol" brings the country into line with the rate in Scotland.

But the Conservatives said minimum pricing had "only served to hit hard-pressed Welsh consumers that don't have a drink problem in their pockets".

Independent research commissioned by the Welsh government suggests the policy could prevent more than 900 alcohol-related deaths over 20 years and reduce the number of "harmful drinkers" by nearly 5,000.

The policy was introduced in Wales in 2020 and the price increase follows a public consultation.

Public Health Wales figures show between 2019 and 2023 there was a rise of more than 50% in alcohol-related deaths.

Alcohol abuse charities have previously supported raising the minimum unit price for alcohol to 65p but also raised concerns that the most deprived areas could be adversely affected.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy said: "Cheap, high-strength alcohol disproportionately affects hazardous and harmful drinkers. The evidence is clear – minimum unit pricing works.

"We have today taken a decision which will save lives and help protect many people from the harms caused by drinking too much alcohol."

The move was welcomed by Alcohol Change UK director for Wales Andrew Misell.

"Inflation has steadily eroded the impact of the minimum unit price since it was introduced in 2020," he said.

"This increase restores the policy's effectiveness and ensures it can continue to reduce the availability of the cheapest, strongest alcohol that causes the most harm."

The Welsh Conservatives oppose the policy and called for "targeted funding" for alcohol abuse rehabilitation schemes.

Party Senedd leader Darren Millar accused Labour and Plaid Cymru of "teaming up to push up the price of beer, cider and wine".

"Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol has not worked," he said.

"It has only served to hit hard-pressed Welsh consumers that don't have a drink problem in their pockets, and resulted in problem drinkers consuming stronger booze and going without food or heating.

"The Welsh Conservatives will scrap the Minimum Unit Price for alcohol, lower costs for consumers, and invest in targeted rehabilitation support at those struggling with alcohol abuse instead."