The Government has no plans to increase the minimum unit price for alcohol, as the health minister awaits the findings of a review into the measure. Minimum unit pricing, which sets a floor price for alcohol under which retailers cannot charge, was first introduced in January 2022, with officials describing it as a health measure to reduce serious illness and death from alcohol consumption. Minimum unit pricing has been introduced in other countries, including Scotland and Wales. 'Clear that minimum unit pricing works'Its minister for mental health and wellbeing Sarah Murphy said the evidence was “clear [that] minimum unit pricing works”. “The minister has no plans at this time to increase Ireland’s minimum unit price for alcohol.”

Source: Irish Examiner February 05, 2026 16:55 UTC