23 October 2017: Responding to the news that the Welsh government will introduce the bill for a minimum unit price for alcohol today, Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK (AHA), said:
“We are pleased that the process to implement minimum unit pricing in Wales will begin today. We once again commend the Welsh government for introducing this measure.
“Once implemented in Wales, minimum unit pricing will save lives, cut hospital admissions, and take pressure of a hard-pressed health service.
“It will also cut crime, and boost the economy by reducing the number of days taken off work due to alcohol.
“In addition, as minimum unit pricing is targeted at the cheapest alcohol consumed by the heaviest drinkers, moderate drinkers will barely notice any difference once minimum pricing is in force.
“With Scotland also set to introduce minimum pricing, it is vital the Westminster government now legislates for this measure too, something it committed to doing five years ago. With lives being lost as a result of cheap alcohol, a decision by Westminster to delay this measure will cause further needless deaths.”