The minimum unit pricing for alcohol could increase in Wales. Dubbed the ‘Strongbow tax’, the measure was first introduced five years ago in March 2020 at 50p per unit.
The initiative was brought in to combat the sale of cheap alcohol in an attempt to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed by “harmful and hazourdous drinkers” and tackle binge drinking. According to Wales’ minister for mental health, Sarah Murphy, the legislation has seen a reduction in the amount of cheap alcohol products being sold in Wales, and is a “positive step toward reducing alcohol-related harm”.
A report released on Wednesday suggests the implementation of the minimum unit pricing has been largely successful. It also recommended that the policy should be renewed and the price be increased to “at least” 65p per unit.
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Ms Murphy explained how when the legislation was first introduced, concerns were raised that increasing the cost of cheap alcohol would just push people to use illegal substances instead. She said she was pleased to see in the report that this has not been the case.
Ms Murphy said: “I welcome these evaluations and the findings of the interim reports. I want to be clear the legislation is only one component of our wider alcohol policy interventions. We continue to provide support to our Area Planning Boards for treatment services and are investing more than £67m a year in our substance misuse agenda, including ring-fenced funding of £6.25m to support children and young people.”
At the time of its introduction, MUP was dubbed the “Strongbow tax” as the biggest cost increase was seen on strong, cheap beer and cider. For example:
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A standard strength pint of beer or cider contains around 2.5 units of alcohol, so it can’t be sold for less than £1.25 (2.5 x 50p)
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A bottle of wine has about 10 units of alcohol in it, so the minimum price for it is £5 (10 x 50p)
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A bottle of whisky or vodka contains around 26 units, and so can not be sold for less than £13 (26 x 50p).
A 12-week consultation will now be undertaken with relevant stakeholders involved in the process. MUP has been a welcome legislation for those working in alcohol harms. For the latest health and Covid news, sign up to our newsletter here
Commenting on the Welsh Government’s review of minimum unit pricing, Andew Misell, director for Wales at Alcohol Change UK, said: “This report tells us that when it comes to alcohol harm reduction, price matters and MUP works. As a targeted measure, it halts the sale of cheap, strong alcohol – that which causes the most harm – while also limiting the dangers that come with purchasing large volumes of alcohol via multi-buy discounts.
“Beyond MUP’s effectiveness, it’s encouraging to see little evidence of the potential knock-on impacts materialising after its introduction; such as switching from alcohol to illegal drugs, cross-border alcohol shopping or a renewed enthusiasm for home brewing.
“It can compound the financial strain for some dependent drinkers, particularly those on low incomes. While this isn’t a new issue, it does need further consideration. The answer to this is not cheaper booze or a reversal of MUP, but rather more and better support and treatment for people with alcohol dependency.
“Looking ahead, minimum unit pricing must be continued. And, to maintain its effectiveness and value in reducing alcohol harm, should be increased to at least 65p per unit, mirroring the approach taken in Scotland. This prevents its value being eroded by inflation.”