EditorWelsh Government proposes alcohol price hike — but not everyone’s convinced
The Welsh Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to raise the minimum unit price (MUP) of alcohol from 50p to 65p — a move it says could reduce harmful drinking and save lives. But while ministers point to positive research findings, critics warn the policy may hit vulnerable people hardest and question whether it’s working as intended.
The consultation, which runs until 29 September, asks whether the current pricing law should continue beyond its March 2026 expiry — and whether the price per unit should rise to reflect inflation and maintain its impact.
Sarah Murphy MS, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said the current 50p rate has been eroded by inflation and is no longer influencing the price of the cheapest, strongest drinks.
“Despite the pandemic, cost-of-living crisis and high inflation, independent evaluations have shown the policy has had a positive impact and helped reduce levels of harmful drinking,” she said.
What is minimum unit pricing?
Minimum unit pricing sets a legal floor price for alcohol based on its strength. In Wales, it’s currently illegal to sell alcohol for less than 50p per unit — meaning a three-litre bottle of strong cider, which contains around 22 units, must cost at least £11.
The policy targets cheap, high-strength drinks often consumed in large volumes by hazardous and harmful drinkers. It’s not a tax — the extra money goes to retailers and producers, not the government.
Wales introduced MUP in March 2020, following Scotland’s lead. The Republic of Ireland followed in 2022. England has yet to adopt the policy.
What does the research say?
Independent evaluations commissioned by the Welsh Government suggest the policy has had a broadly positive effect. According to modelling by the Sheffield Addictions Research Group, raising the MUP to 65p could reduce the number of hazardous drinkers by 6,300 and harmful drinkers by nearly 5,000, potentially lowering hospital admissions and alcohol-related deaths.
A five-year review by academics from the University of South Wales and Wrexham University found that:
- Retailers have largely complied with the law
- Cheap high-strength products have disappeared from shelves
- Alcohol consumption appears to have declined overall
- Predicted side effects like home brewing and cross-border shopping haven’t materialised widely
However, the same review also highlighted concerns. Some dependent drinkers reported skipping meals or bills to maintain their alcohol intake. Others switched to stronger drinks like spirits, narrowing the price gap and potentially increasing harm.
The researchers concluded that while MUP should be retained, it must be accompanied by better support services for those most affected.
What do critics say?
The Welsh Conservatives have labelled the policy a “failure,” pointing to a 50% rise in alcohol-related deaths between 2019 and 2023. Shadow Health Minister Russell George MS has called for a full review, arguing that the policy hasn’t delivered its promised outcomes and may be hurting vulnerable groups.
Charities and campaigners have also raised concerns. Alcohol Change UK supports raising the price to 65p but says more must be done to help people with alcohol dependency.
“Making alcohol more expensive isn’t enough on its own,” said director Andrew Misall. “We need to ensure those who are struggling get the support they need — otherwise, we risk making things worse for the most deprived communities.”
Iola Ynyr, a writer from Gwynedd who has spoken publicly about her battle with alcoholism, told the BBC that raising prices won’t change the behaviour of dependent drinkers.
“If someone’s addicted, they’ll find a way to get alcohol. It’s the families who suffer — people may cut back on food or essentials, especially if children are involved.”
What happens next?
The Welsh Government says MUP is just one part of a wider strategy to tackle alcohol harm, alongside prevention, treatment and recovery services. But the consultation will help determine whether the policy continues — and at what price point.
If the 65p proposal goes ahead, it would mark a significant increase in the cost of some drinks. For example:
- A bottle of wine (9 units) would cost at least £5.85
- A litre of vodka (37.5 units) would cost at least £24.38
- A four-pack of strong lager (8 units) would cost at least £5.20
The government says the change is needed to keep pace with inflation. The original 50p rate, set in 2018, is now worth just 39p in real terms, according to ministers.
The consultation is open to the public until 29 September, with responses helping shape future legislation. You can take part via the Welsh Government’s consultation portal.
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