Minimum unit pricing for alcohol in Wales

Inquiry5

The Health and Social Care Committee is holding a short written inquiry with a view to providing a response to the Welsh Government’s report and consultation on the operation and effect of Minimum Unit Price (MUP) for Alcohol.

The Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018 was implemented on 2 March 2020. The Act introduced a Minimum Unit Price (MUP) for Alcohol, setting a price of 50p per unit of alcohol. This means alcohol cannot be sold in Wales at less than 50p per unit.  Alongside other policies addressing alcohol related harm, MUP aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by increasing the cost of cheap, high-strength alcohol, which is often linked to harmful alcohol consumption and related health issues.

The Act includes a sunset clause, which means that minimum pricing for alcohol will end in Wales in March 2026 unless the Welsh Government takes action to extend it. The Act also requires the Welsh Government to report on the operation and effect of the legislation.

In January 2025, the Welsh Government published the final reports of the independent evaluation it had commissioned on the operation and effect of MUP. It is also undertaking a consultation to gather views on awareness of minimum unit pricing in Wales and its impact.

Inquiry report

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>>>The Committee published its report on 30 June 2025.

>>>The Welsh Government responded to the Committee’s report on 19 August 2025

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Public understanding of MUP

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>>>Minimum unit pricing is a targeted health improvement measure which aims to reduce alcohol consumption among people drinking at harmful levels. How effectively has the purpose of the legislation been communicated to the general public and to businesses affected?

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Impact of MUP

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>>>What impact has minimum unit pricing had on alcohol-related harm in Wales?

>>>What impact has the introduction of minimum pricing had on particular groups, including:

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***vulnerable and dependent drinkers

***children and young people

***low income households

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>>>What impact has the introduction of minimum pricing in Wales had on (i) retailers and (ii) local authorities?

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Future of MUP in Wales

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>>>Should minimum unit pricing continue in Wales? Why?

>>>Should the current minimum unit price of 50p be reviewed? Why?

>>>Minimum unit pricing is intended as one of a range of policy approaches to tackling alcohol-related harm. Do any other approaches need to be considered/strengthened in order to reduce alcohol-related harm in Wales?

>>>What impact has minimum unit pricing had on the need for alcohol treatment and support services?

>>>What impact has minimum unit pricing had on the risk of substituting alcohol for more dangerous and illegal substances?

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