October 14, 2026 - 198 views
The Welsh Conservatives have criticised a 30% increase in the minimum price of alcohol in Wales, arguing it adds to pressure on household budgets and could affect businesses near the English border.
The minimum unit price rose from 50p to 65p on 1 October, meaning some alcoholic drinks now cost more in Wales than in England.
The Welsh Government says minimum pricing is intended to reduce alcohol-related harm, but Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS says the policy penalises people who drink responsibly without necessarily addressing addiction.
He argues that people with alcohol dependency may continue drinking despite higher prices and says more needs to be done to provide access to treatment and rehabilitation services.
Mr Millar also claims retailers in border areas are losing business as some shoppers travel to England to avoid the higher prices.
He called on the Welsh Government to focus on economic growth, employment and support for people struggling with alcohol misuse, rather than relying on price increases.
The Welsh Government’s policy is designed to reduce the harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption by making the cheapest, strongest drinks less affordable.
