HU Encourages NI Politicians to Back Min Pricing as Supreme Court Hears Case

26 July 2017

Commenting on the Supreme Court hearing in London between the Scotch Whisky Association and the Scottish Government on minimum unit pricing for alcohol, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster, said:

"The hearing in the Supreme Court underlines the commitment of the Scottish Government to minimum unit pricing for alcohol.

"Problem drinking has become more widespread in society over the past decade as the availability of cheap and discounted alcohol has become more common.

"People should of course be able to enjoy alcohol, but to do so responsibly.

"Academic studies have shown that setting the minimum cost at 50p per unit of alcohol would save up to 50,000 people from illness in a decade.

"For moderate drinkers the estimated rise in price would be a relatively modest £12 a year, 25 pence a week. Hospitality Ulster urges all politicians in Northern Ireland to follow the example of the Scottish Government and back the introduction of minimum unit pricing here.’’