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Alcohol minimum price rises to tackle drinking harm


October 01, 2026 - 180 views

The minimum price of alcohol in Wales has increased from 50p to 65p per unit, with the Welsh Government saying the move could prevent more than 900 alcohol-related deaths over the next 20 years.

The change is designed to reduce harmful drinking by targeting high-strength, low-cost alcohol, particularly products such as super-strength cider.

The Welsh Government says the previous 50p minimum price had lost value because of inflation, and increasing it to 65p will restore its effectiveness.

Wales now has the same minimum unit price as Scotland.

The charity Alcohol Change UK says the change is aimed at the cheapest and strongest drinks and should not increase the price of a typical pint in pubs.

The Welsh Government says more than £68 million is being invested to support people affected by alcohol and drug use, including more than £41 million going directly to local support services.