Minimum unit pricing for alcohol could save lives, Health Committee hears

Inset: Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan, chair of Northern Ireland Health Committee

Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has said the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol would help to save lives and reduce alcohol-related harm, after Stormont’s Health Committee agreed to formally back proposed legislation.

The North Antrim MLA, who chairs the Assembly’s Health Committee, was speaking after members heard detailed evidence on the impact of excessive alcohol consumption and the potential public-health benefits of introducing MUP in Northern Ireland.

Minimum unit pricing sets a legal minimum price for alcohol based on its strength, with the policy designed to curb the availability of cheap, high-strength products that are most closely linked to alcohol-related harm.

Following a committee briefing on the proposals, Mr McGuigan said the evidence presented underlined the scale of the problem for individuals, families and communities.

“In today’s Health Committee we heard compelling evidence about the serious harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption and the clear public-health benefits, for individuals, families and communities associated with introducing Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP).

“MUP reduces alcohol-related harm by targeting the cheapest, strongest drinks that do the most damage. It is already in place in the south, and for it to have maximum impact it needs to be implemented on an all-Ireland basis.

“I fully recognise that MUP alone will not resolve alcoholism or problematic drinking, but it would be a positive step that can help save lives and reduce harm.

“It is therefore incumbent on all parties to work together to progress the legislation needed to introduce MUP in this mandate.

“It is welcome that the committee agreed to my proposal to write to the Executive to support the minister’s legislation.”

Cross-border approach highlighted

The Health Committee’s agreement to write to the Northern Ireland Executive in support of the Health Minister’s proposed legislation is seen as a significant step in advancing the policy.

MUP has already been introduced in the Republic of Ireland, as well as in Scotland and Wales, with evidence from those jurisdictions indicating reductions in alcohol consumption among the heaviest drinkers and associated health benefits.

Mr McGuigan stressed that an all-Ireland approach would strengthen the effectiveness of the policy, reducing cross-border price disparities and ensuring consistent public-health messaging.

Human cost of alcohol harm

Public-health experts briefing the committee highlighted the human toll of alcohol misuse, including preventable deaths, long-term illness, pressure on health services and the wider social impact on families and communities.

Supporters of MUP argue that by focusing on the cheapest, highest-strength products, the policy protects moderate drinkers while addressing patterns of harmful consumption most closely associated with health inequalities.

The proposed legislation will now be considered further by the Executive, with cross-party cooperation likely to be key to progressing the measures within the current Assembly mandate.