Introduced in March 2020, just days before the pandemic, the Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018 set a 50p minimum price per unit of alcohol. The policy aimed to reduce alcohol-related harm by targeting cheap, high-strength drinks often consumed by hazardous and harmful drinkers.
The new operation and effect report, covering the first five years of the policy, draws on independent evaluations, a Senedd consultation, and survey research by Public Health Wales. It found that while implementation has been smooth and compliance high, the wider impact on consumption and health outcomes is more complex.
Key findings from the Welsh Government report
- Retailers have largely complied, with Trading Standards reporting just six fines across more than 3,000 inspections.
- Cheap, high-strength products like large bottles of white cider have largely disappeared from shelves.
- Overall alcohol consumption appears to have declined, though measuring this directly remains difficult.
- Unintended consequences, such as cross-border shopping or substance switching, have been minimal3.
- Some drinkers have changed habits, switching from cider to spirits or wine due to price shifts3.
However, the report also highlights concerns that low-income dependent drinkers may be sacrificing essentials like food and heating to maintain alcohol consumption3. Some support workers reported increased financial strain and use of foodbanks among this group.
Political and expert reaction
Sarah Murphy MS, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said: “The evidence suggests minimum pricing for alcohol has contributed towards its intended policy objectives. Overall, the operation and effect of minimum unit pricing has been broadly positive.”
She confirmed that the University of Sheffield’s Addictions Research Group has been commissioned to review whether the 50p threshold remains appropriate, with findings to inform a public consultation on the future of the policy.
Darren Millar MS, Welsh Conservative spokesperson, criticised the policy, saying: “It is resulting in people struggling with alcohol addiction going without food or heating to pay extra costs, and taking millions from the Welsh economy as people cross the border to shop for booze in England. It’s time to scrap this policy and focus attention on the inadequate investment in addiction services”.
In contrast, researchers from Wrexham Glyndwr University and the University of South Wales, who led the independent evaluations, recommended retaining the policy but raising the minimum price to 65p per unit to maintain its effectiveness1.
They also called for better-funded treatment services and acknowledged the disproportionate impact on low-income households, but argued this should not be a reason to abandon the policy.
What happens next?
The legislation includes a sunset clause, meaning it will expire in March 2026 unless renewed. The Welsh Government will now consider the Sheffield review and public feedback before deciding whether to continue, amend or end the policy.
A further public consultation is expected later this year, with Ministers pledging to keep the Senedd updated.
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