Wales increases minimum alcohol price by 30%

The minimum price of alcohol (MUP) in Wales has risen by 30%, to bring the rate in line with Scotland.

Some people in Cardiff welcomed the change on Thursday, which means low-cost alcohol will now be more expensive to buy, while others feared it could impact a hospitality industry which is “already in a state of crisis”.

Alcohol Change UK supported the rise and said there would be “little or no change” for moderate drinkers, as the policy would not change the price of a pint.

The Welsh government said the current 50p rate had been made “less effective” by inflation, and the change could prevent more than 900 deaths across the next two decades.

The change was first announced in February, with Welsh ministers calling it a “landmark policy”, although the Welsh Conservatives argued at the time that it would hit hard-pressed consumers who do not have a drink problem.

The minimum unit price has increased from 50p to 65p, raising the lowest legal price that beer, wine, cider and spirits can be sold for.

It means a can of lager previously available for £1 will now 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.

Drinks already sold above the new minimum price do not have to become more expensive.

Independent research commissioned by the Welsh government suggests the policy could reduce the number of “harmful drinkers” , externalby nearly 5,000.

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

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