We are calling on the NI Executive to introduce Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol as soon as possible, at an event at Stormont organised by the charity today.
Minimum Unit Pricing is a topic that many might not be familiar with so here, Neil Johnston, Public Affairs and Policy Manager at NICHS, explains more.
What is Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP)?
MUP sets a floor price per unit of alcohol. It sets the lowest price an alcoholic drink can be sold for. Scotland introduced the policy in 2018 and the Republic of Ireland in 2022.
What is the purpose of MUP?
MUP aims to reduce alcohol harm by preventing the sale of strong alcohol products, such as large bottles of white cider, supermarket vodka, and strong own-brand beers, at very low prices in retail sectors such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and neighbourhood shops. The policy specifically targets the strongest and cheapest drinks, which are favoured by heavy drinkers and young people. It won’t impact the price of alcohol sold in pubs, clubs, or restaurants.
Increasing the price of alcohol is one of the most effective ways to reduce how much people drink and prevent problems caused by alcohol. MUP reduces alcohol-related harm by reducing how much alcohol we as a society consume, particularly by targeting a reduction in the consumption of people drinking at higher levels.
Why is MUP needed?
Alcohol is still much more affordable than it was in the 1980s, mostly due to cheap prices in supermarkets and other shops where most people now purchase their alcohol. This increased affordability has resulted in people drinking more, and in turn, more alcohol-related health and social problems.
Alcohol-related deaths in Northern Ireland have been a concerning issue. According to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, the annual alcohol-specific death rate has risen over the years. In 2022, there were 356 alcohol-specific deaths, accounting for 2.1% of all deaths registered. Since 2012, these deaths due to alcohol-specific causes have increased by 45.9%¹.
How might MUP work in Northern Ireland?
Initial modelling for MUP was done for NI by Sheffield University in 2014. The decision to introduce MUP in Scotland was largely based on the arguments presented by this modelling. The Department of Health NI commissioned new modelling which was published in April 2023².
This new modelling estimates that a 65p MUP would:
- Reduce alcohol consumption by 8.5% (1.3% for moderate drinkers, 7.5% for hazardous drinkers, and 17.1% for harmful drinkers).
- Lead to a reduction of 82 alcohol-related deaths per year (after 20 years when the full effect of the policy will be felt) and a reduction of 3,482 alcohol-related admissions to hospital.
- The saving in health service costs is estimated at £4.8m in Year 1, £5.8m by Year 20 and a cumulative saving of £117.4m over 20 years.
- Crime is estimated to fall by 3,188 offences and lead to a reduction in the societal costs of crime of £30m.
Neil continues; “It is vital that the Executive is guided by the evidence, and the evidence from Scotland shows that this policy works.”
“There is strong evidence from Scotland that introducing a minimum price policy has led to a reduction in deaths wholly attributable to alcohol consumption. There has also been a decrease in hospital admissions.”
“This is not a ‘silver bullet’ for the complex issues around alcohol abuse, but it is a positive contribution, and it is something that the Executive can introduce relatively easily.”
“Mike Nesbitt, the Health Minister, is keen to introduce this measure, and he is supported in that desire not just by Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke but a wide range of charities that make up the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance.”
“Mr. Nesbitt has been seeking the support of his Executive colleagues for this measure for over a year. It is my understanding that he has not just the support of most of the Executive but also has the backing of the SDLP Opposition.”
“However, legislation can only be brought forward with the support of the entire Executive, so it is time for those who are blocking this measure to explain the basis of their actions.”
“It is important to note that Minimum Unit Pricing has no impact on the price of a pint, or any alcohol sold in pubs, clubs or restaurants and has little or no impact on those who drink in a low-risk manner.”
“Minimum Unit Pricing aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by ensuring that the exceptionally cheap, strong alcohol, widely available throughout the off-licence sector is curbed.”
“This measure should have all party support and should be introduced as soon as possible.”
