Minimum pricing for alcohol enters into effect in Wales

A new law setting a minimum price for alcohol in Wales came into force today (2 March).

The Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018 forbids selling or supplying alcohol for less than 50p a unit.

“The minimum price won’t affect moderate drinkers who may be worried about the price of a pint going up. The aim of this legislation is to reduce the harm being done by those most at risk of alcohol abuse,” commented Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething.

Licensed premises of alcohol, including convenience stores, will now be required to ensure they comply with minimum unit pricing (MUP) as there is no grace period for implementation. It will be an offence to sell or supply, or authorise the sale or supply of alcohol below the applicable minimum price.

Retailers violating the provision will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). The FPN amount will be £200 if payment is made within 29 days or £150 if payment is made within 15 days.

The Welsh Government has published guidance to support retailers and has developed materials that retailers can use in store to communicate MUP to consumers.

The Scottish government has introduced the 50p MUP on alcohol in May 2018, becoming one of the first countries in the world to introduce minimum alcohol pricing.