Health experts have intensified calls for England to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol, as Wales announces plans to increase its existing measure from 50p to 65p per unit.

Leading medical professionals, academics and charities have urged Health Secretary Wes Streeting to adopt the policy that Scotland and Wales already operate, warning that current measures fail to adequately address the scale of alcohol-related harm across the nation.

The renewed push for minimum unit pricing in England comes as Welsh officials launched a consultation on Wednesday to maintain and strengthen their policy beyond March 2026. The Welsh Government estimates the price increase could reduce harmful drinkers by nearly 5,000 people.

What Is Minimum Unit Pricing?

Minimum unit pricing sets the lowest price at which alcoholic drinks can legally sell, calculated according to their alcohol content. Under the current 50p system in Wales and Scotland, a pint of beer containing 2.5 units must cost at least £1.25, whilst a 9-unit bottle of wine cannot retail below £4.50.

If Wales proceeds with its proposed 65p threshold, these prices would rise to £1.63 for that pint and £5.85 for the wine bottle. A 70cl vodka bottle at 40% ABV, containing 28 units, would carry a minimum price tag of £18.20 under the higher rate.

Expert Coalition Demands Action

In a letter shared with the PA news agency, 34 health leaders from prestigious organisations including the Alcohol Health Alliance, Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of General Practitioners and Royal College of Emergency Medicine have signed their names to the appeal.

The experts argue that whilst the government’s 10-Year Health Plan contains welcome elements, the measures “are not sufficient to address the scale and complexity of harm” that alcohol causes in England.

Their demands for minimum unit pricing in England form part of a broader package of recommendations, including granting local authorities enhanced powers to regulate hours of sale and online alcohol deliveries.

Comprehensive Reform Package

Beyond pricing measures, the coalition wants advertising regulations for alcohol aligned with those governing foods high in fat, salt and sugar. They also advocate for changes to alcohol tax, linking duties to inflation and ending what they term “cider exceptionalism” in the current duty structure.

The experts emphasise the need for increased funding and support for local alcohol care teams, recognising that community-level intervention plays a crucial role in addressing drinking problems effectively.

“The public want and deserve action, and we stand ready to work with Government to deliver real progress,” the authors state in their letter. They stress that coordinated measures implemented now could significantly reduce alcohol harm “within the term of this Government, with visible results for families, the NHS, crime, and the economy.”

Evidence from Scotland and Wales

Scotland pioneered minimum unit pricing globally when it introduced a 50p threshold in May 2018, following years of legal challenges. The policy increased to 65p per unit in September 2024.

Public Health Scotland’s evaluation found the measure reduced deaths wholly attributable to alcohol consumption by 13.4%, preventing an estimated 156 deaths annually. The policy also drove a 3% reduction in total alcohol sales, with the greatest effects observed in the most socioeconomically deprived areas.

Wales implemented its 50p minimum unit pricing in March 2020. Evaluation findings demonstrate the policy effectively targets the heaviest drinkers and has led to an 8.6% decrease in alcohol purchases compared with England.

Government Response

The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the concerns but stopped short of committing to minimum unit pricing in England that advocates demand.

A spokesperson highlighted that the 10-Year Health Plan will make health warnings and nutritional information on alcoholic drinks mandatory. The government has also allocated an additional £310 million in 2025/26 for drug and alcohol treatment services and recovery support, supplementing existing public health funding.

“As we shift from sickness to prevention through our 10-Year Health Plan, we will make it mandatory for alcoholic drinks to display health warnings and nutritional information,” the spokesperson said.

Industry Perspective

The Portman Group, representing the alcohol industry’s regulatory body for marketing, responded cautiously to the proposals. A spokesperson said the organisation welcomes “the chance to work constructively with the Government on the proposals within its 10 year plan to help more consumers make an informed choice and drink moderately.”

The Stakes for England

England remains the only part of the UK without plans for minimum unit pricing, despite mounting evidence of its effectiveness. Alcohol currently costs 72% less in real terms than it did in 1987, making it possible to exceed the low-risk weekly guideline of 14 units for approximately £4.20—the price of a high street coffee.

The policy debate centres on balancing public health objectives with concerns about individual choice and market dynamics. Proponents argue that minimum unit pricing primarily affects the cheapest, strongest products linked to harmful drinking patterns, whilst leaving most pub prices and moderate consumption patterns largely untouched.

With Wales strengthening its approach and Scotland maintaining its policy despite initial opposition, pressure mounts on England to follow suit. Whether the government will heed expert calls or chart a different course remains to be seen, but the conversation about alcohol pricing policy shows no signs of fading.

Source: dbrecoveryresources