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Attwood and McGimpsey set minimum price of alcohol for consultation

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood and Health Minister Michael McGimpsey will today launch the consultation on a minimum price for alcohol.
~ Monday, 7 March 2011

If implemented, it will be a unique move for any government to do.

The two Ministers are advocating that the minimum price for a unit of alcohol, be it in off licences, pubs or registered clubs, should be between 40p and 70p. The exact minimum price will then be determined following the outcome of consultation.

Given there are approximately 11 units of alcohol in a six pack of beer, that would mean the minimum price of a six pack would be £4.40 if the 40p per unit was adopted and £7.70 if the 70p figure was adopted. For Chardonnay wine, with ten units of alcohol, the minimum price could not be below £4 at the very least.

Scotland consulted on a 45p per unit minimum price but was unsuccessful in bringing it forward as legislation.

Minimum pricing is part of a government drive to reduce irresponsible drinking, reduce binge drinking, reduce anti social behaviour and in turn reduce a significant drain on the Health Service.

It is estimated that alcohol abuse costs society as much as £900million a year.

Alex Attwood said: “I want to make it clear that we are in no way penalising responsible drinkers. I am though concerned about the level of alcohol misuse in Northern Ireland and in particular how heavily discounted alcohol prices contributes to the problem. I believe there is a strong weight of evidence for introducing minimum pricing as a further tool for tackling the harm of alcohol misuse in our society.

“This initiative, together with proposals and new laws on irresponsible alcohol promotions, will be important steps forward in the dealing with the use and misuse of alcohol.”

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “Alcohol misuse costs the Health and Social Care Sector almost £250million a year.

“In real terms, alcohol is 62% more affordable now than it was 30 years ago and research indicates that a minimum unit price of 40p and a ban on promotions could decrease consumption by 5.4%. This would mean savings of £13.5million to the health and Social Care Sector every year.

“We need to take significant action now and today’s consultation marks an important step in changing our unhealthy relationship with alcohol. It will not come overnight, but by working in partnership and being pro-active, we will make a difference.”

Detailed research from Sheffield University highlights that a real impact on reducing alcohol consumption would start to kick in whenever a minimum price is set at 40p.

A 16 week consultation on the draft proposals will commence on Monday 7 March and can be accessed through the DSD (http://www.dsdni.gov.uk) and DHSSPS (http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk) websites. Hard copies of the consultation document will also be available on request.

Notes to editors:

  1. Social Development minister Alex Attwood and Health Minister Michael McGimpsey will launch the Consultation On Minimum Pricing at:
    Royal College of Psychiatrists
    Clifton House,
    2 North Queen Street,
    Belfast,
    at 10.45am.
  2. Dr Philip McGarry, Chair of Royal College of Psychiatrists will also speak at the launch.
  3. If implemented minimum pricing would be unique for any government to do. Scotland consulted on a 45p minimum but was unsuccessful in bringing it forward as legislation. The Westminster coalition has consulted on a scheme whereby a price could not be set below the cost of duty plus VAT in England and Wales. Few alcohol products currently retail below the cost of duty plus VAT so this may have minimal impact.
  4. Minister Attwood has already begun to tackle alcohol misuse through the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill which completed its final stage in the Assembly on 22 February and it is hoped that it will be operational in September 2011/Autumn. That allows for restrictions on irresponsible drinks promotions.
  5. If supported, it is intended that legislation will be brought forward to allow the relevant department to introduce pricing controls on the sale of cheap alcohol in premises licensed under the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 and clubs registered under the Registration of Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 in an attempt to address the increasing availability of cheap alcohol in Northern Ireland.
  6. For further information please contact Philip Maguire DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9490 mobile 07788108657 and Joanne Eland DHSSPS on 028 9052 0579 mobile 07917544007. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.