AMN/ WEB DESK
A decision by the Republic of Ireland’s government to introduce minimum unit pricing on alcohol has come into effect from today. The new law will affect alcohol sold in off licences, shops and supermarkets.
The government believes minimum pricing is a vital public health measure. The measure aims to change dangerous patterns of alcohol behaviour with the intention of deterring binge drinking.
Some retailers fear unless similar measures are introduced in Northern Ireland there will be a surge in cross-border shoppers seeking cheaper booze.
The Government decision to introduce minimum unit pricing on alcohol this week has been welcomed by Alcohol Action Ireland. The new law will largely affect alcohol sold in off licences, shops and supermarkets.
For that past decade the Government has been seeking to bring in minimum unit pricing as part of a number of measures to help reduce the harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
The aim is to change dangerous patterns of alcohol behaviour particularly amongst young drinkers who are buying cheap alcohol before they go out in what is known as pre-drinking. This alcohol will now be more expensive with the intention of deterring binge drinking.
A broad breakdown of the new measures shows a standard bottle of wine cannot be sold for less than €7.40 and a can of beer for less than €1.70. Spirits like gin or vodka with 40% alcohol content cannot be sold for less than €20.70 and a 700 ml bottle of whiskey for less than €22.
Some approved the measure, saying drink was too cheap in supermarkets and off-licences and was fuelling a crisis for those addicted to alcohol, as well as encouraging binge drinking.
Public health experts say the new measures are shown to be working internationally, with a reduction in the number of admissions to emergency departments and a drop in the number of alcohol fuelled assaults.