In regulations being voted on in the Senedd today, the minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol in Wales is set to be increased from 50p to 65p per unit. Plaid Cymru and Labour MSs are expected to vote through the regulations together.
The Minimum Price for Alcohol Act was introduced in 2018. Since its introduction, alcohol-specific deaths in Wales have increased.
The Welsh Conservatives have reiterated calls to scrap the MUP for alcohol and called for targeted funding for rehabilitation schemes for those struggling with alcohol abuse instead.
Commenting, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS said:
“Labour and Plaid are teaming up to push up the price of beer, cider and wine.
“Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol has not worked. It has only served to hit hard-pressed Welsh consumers that don't have a drink problem in their pockets, and resulted in problem drinkers consuming stronger booze and going without food or heating.
“The Welsh Conservatives will scrap the Minimum Unit Price for alcohol, lower costs for consumers, and invest in targeted rehabilitation support at those struggling with alcohol abuse instead.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The updated regulations for Wales, increasing the MUP from 50p to 65p, can be read here.
- A consultation, published in August 2025, revealed that alcohol-specific deaths had increased according to the latest data available, stating: “Alcohol remains the most problematic substance for which people seek assistance. There were 562 alcohol-specific deaths in Wales registered in 2023, an increase of 76 deaths since 2022 (17.6%) and 194 deaths since pre-pandemic 2019 (52%).”
