Minimum pricing plan launched in Northern Ireland

A consultation for minimum pricing for alcohol has launched today in Northern Ireland. Executive ministers Michael McGimpsey and Alex Attwood say the minimum price for a unit of alcohol should be between 40p and 70p.

The plans would mean the minimum price of a six pack of beer would be £4.40 if 40p per unit was adopted, or £7.70 if it was 70p per unit.

Health minister Michael McGimpsey said alcohol misuse was costing the health and social care sector almost £250 million a year.

"In real terms, alcohol is 62% more affordable now than it was 30 years ago and research indicates that a minimum unit price of 40p and a ban on promotions could decrease consumption by 5.4%," he said.

"This would mean savings of £13.5m to the health and social care sector every year."

Social development minister Alex Attwood said "responsible drinkers" would not be penalised by the new proposals.

However, he said he was concerned about "the level of alcohol misuse in Northern Ireland and in particular how heavily-discounted alcohol prices contributes to the problem".

The consultation runs for 16 weeks.

Lucy Shaw, 07.03.2011