Health Minister Robin Swann has launched a new public consultation on introducing minimum unit pricing for alcohol in Northern Ireland after the measure came into effect in the Republic early last month.
South of the border, the minimum price for drinks is now directly linked to the amount of alcohol they contain in a bid to reduce harm caused by excessive consumption.
Scotland brought in minimum unit pricing in 2018, while Wales introduced a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol in 2020.
Stormont had been urged to recommit to introducing minimum unit pricing for alcohol here and the Department of Health said it would launch a consultation on the idea in "early 2022".
Mr Swann said: “I made a commitment that I would hold a public consultation on the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) for Alcohol in Northern Ireland within a year of the launch of the new Substance Use Strategy.
“I launched our new substance use strategy on 7 September 2021 and today I make good on my promise and launch this public consultation so that the people of Northern Ireland can have their say on this important policy.
“For many years now alcohol has been our drug of choice in Northern Ireland and this is reflected in our high rates of alcohol specific deaths. I believe that the introduction of MUP will have a direct impact and help to reduce the number of these deaths over time.
“I have been greatly encouraged by the positive evidence coming out about the introduction of MUP within Scotland and firmly believe that its introduction here has the potential to be a key population-level health measure to address the harms related to alcohol consumption and help to prevent individuals coming to harm in the first place.”
Under the new law, the Republic's minimum price is 10 cent per gram of alcohol.
It means the cheapest 750ml bottle of wine costs €7.40 (12.5% alcohol) whereas previously it cost less than €5.
Gin and vodka (40%) costs no less than €20.71 for a 700ml bottle, 700ml of whiskey (43%) at least €22.09, and a 500ml can of beer €1.70.
The changes largely affect alcohol sold in off-licences, shops and supermarkets.
Mr Swann added: “Research has shown that the full social cost to the Northern Ireland economy of alcohol-related harm could be as high as £900m per year, with up to £250m directly borne by the Health sector alone and a further £383m borne by the Justice sector.
“However, this financial burden can never fully describe the incalculable impact that alcohol related harm has on our Society.
“The evidence is quite clear that price is a key factor in driving alcohol-related harm. Alcohol is 74% more affordable now than it was 30 years ago, and the availability of alcohol at very low prices is encouraging excessive and, most importantly, harmful consumption.
“Now I want to hear the views of the public and I would urge everyone to have their say and respond to this consultation.”
The consultation runs until 17 May 2022 and the document is available here.
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