To ask the Minister of Health to detail any evidence that his Department has received that contradicts current advice on minimum unit pricing of alcohol.

It is important to note from the outset that alcohol consumption causes real harm to individuals, families and communities in Northern Ireland. Minimum Unit Pricing is not a ‘silver bullet’, but is a proven, effective tool to reduce alcohol harms.

All evidence that the Department has received points to the fact that drinking above the safe limits can have a negative impact on people’s physical and mental health, on family relationships, on our local communities, on crime and community safety, and on our economy. Research commissioned by my Department estimates that alcohol misuse costs Northern Ireland up to £900 million every year.

There is a range of research, evidence, guidance, modelling, and evaluations that policies which affect alcohol pricing, and Minimum Unit Pricing, is likely to be effective including:

WHO reports;

Meta analysis;

Modelling undertaken in England, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland based on a sales, consumption, and harm data; and

Evaluations in Scotland and Wales.

Overall, the evidence is that MUP: reduces consumption (particularly among those who drink the most); that the main impact is felt by hazardous or harmful drinkers; reduces harm as measured by hospital admissions and alcohol related mortality and can be easily implemented.

MUP is not a panacea for all the harms relating to alcohol use, and there continues to be a need for investment in services, particularly for those with alcohol dependence. However, in my view MUP is a highly targeted policy which can make a meaningful difference for the health service, but more importantly will reduce the harm for individuals, families and across the region.

However, such a policy requires the support of the NI Executive, and I continue to await formal confirmation of the position of all my Executive colleagues. Should Executive support not be forthcoming, I will be required to make a statement to that effect to the Assembly under the Licensing & Registrations of Clubs (Amendment) Act (NI), legislation to the Assembly by 6 April 2026.