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Following the recent introduction of minimum pricing for alcohol in shops and off licences south of the border Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann is launching a public consultation on the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing here.
The move is designed to reduce the number of alcohol related deaths. 351 deaths were attributed to alcohol in 2020 accounting for 2.0% of all deaths registered that year. Almost two-thirds (66.4%) of the 351 deaths were male, and just over one third (33.6%) were female.
Minister 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.”
Minister Swann continued: “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 document is available on-line DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
