Hospitality Ulster Critical of Further Minimum Pricing Delay

03 September 2015

In response to the opinion given by the European Court today on the issue of delaying of the introduction of minimum unit pricing on alcohol, Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said

“Hospitality Ulster is clear in its position to see the introduction of a minimum pricing on alcohol policy in Northern Ireland as soon as possible. The availability of cheap alcohol has been an ongoing issue for the wider licensed trade due to it contributing in the misuse and irresponsible consumption of alcohol which often leads to social and health related problems.”

“We have been at the forefront of the fight for the introduction of minimum pricing and have called upon the Assembly to introduce proposals that would let Northern Ireland lead the way with effective legislation that will tackle the issue head on.”

“The legal process at the European Court of Justice is currently ongoing and we will be working with the Northern Ireland MEPs, MPs and local MLAs to ensure that the European Court Advocate General hears loud and clear from us that the introduction of the minimum unit pricing model is the most effective public health measure available. Once that happens, NI should press ahead with the implementation of the policy without delay.”