Welsh government reports positive impact of minimum alcohol pricing policy

The Welsh Government has released its five-year review of the Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018, concluding that the minimum unit pricing (MUP) policy has broadly met its public health goals despite challenging external circumstances.

Enacted on 2 March 2020—just days before the COVID-19 pandemic—the legislation introduced a 50p minimum unit price for alcohol. The policy targets inexpensive, high-strength products often favoured by hazardous and harmful drinkers. By making these products less accessible, the Welsh Government aims to reduce alcohol consumption linked to serious health risks such as cancer, stroke and liver disease.

To assess the operation and effect of the Act, the Welsh Government conducted a 12-week consultation involving healthcare, retail and third sector stakeholders. Public Health Wales contributed survey research, and the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee launched a call for evidence, culminating in a comprehensive report published in June.

The final operation and effect report evaluates outcomes from March 2020 to February 2025. It acknowledges the complexities introduced by the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis—factors that have shaped alcohol consumption behaviours and price sensitivity across Wales.

Independent evaluations commissioned by the Welsh Government found that minimum unit pricing has had a generally positive impact. While limitations exist—particularly around assessing long-term behavioural change—the policy’s implementation is viewed as effective in reducing availability of cheap, high-strength alcohol.

Feedback from the stakeholder consultation largely aligns with these findings, supporting the policy’s continuation and reinforcing its role in broader public health strategies.

Emerging evidence suggests that the effectiveness of MUP may depend heavily on the unit price threshold. The Welsh Government has commissioned the Sheffield Addictions Research Group to analyse this issue further. Their findings will help inform future decisions about adjusting the MUP level to maximise health outcomes without unintended consequences.

Looking ahead, Welsh Ministers plan to launch a further public consultation on the future of minimum unit pricing, ensuring that any proposed adjustments remain grounded in robust evidence. The Government remains committed to addressing alcohol-related harm as part of a wider strategy on substance misuse, focused on prevention, support, and recovery.