Welsh Government to press ahead with 50p Minimum Unit Price for Alcohol in Wales

Further to our article last August the Welsh Government have today indicated that they will progress with the introduction of a 50p Minimum Unit Price (MUP) for Alcohol.  They  intend to lay regulations to the National Assembly for Wales at the end of this year.

Health Minister Vaughan Getting, declared;

“The Welsh Government has always said that minimum pricing forms part of a wider strategy and approach to reducing substance misuse.

“Following a public consultation, I’m pleased to confirm we will now ask the National Assembly for Wales to approve a 50p minimum unit price. We believe a 50p minimum unit price strikes a reasonable balance between the anticipated public health and social benefits and intervention in the market.

“We will continue to use all available levers to reduce the harms caused by the excessive consumption of alcohol, as we develop and take forward a new delivery plan for substance misuse.”

The summary of responses to the original consultation are available to view here and although many supported the introduction,  there may be further debate on the wider impact of introducing  MUP in Wales.

This will be of particular interest to operators with premises in the country,  and we will monitor the position and report any further developments.

Should  you wish to discuss this or have any further Licensing Queries, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team on 0114 266 8664.