Minimum alcohol price ’could hit drinkers on low incomes’
Analysis by Owain Clarke, BBC Wales health correspondent
The latest study from Sheffield University, commissioned by the Welsh Government, once again suggests a
minimum unit price of 50p for alcohol will have the greatest impact on hazardous and harmful drinkers.
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A minimum price for alcohol in Wales could hit drinkers on low incomes and lead to some young people turning to drugs, a think-tank will tell AMs.
John Holmes said that This means improvements in public health can be achieved while having only a small impact on moderate drinkers,
But the Sheffield research group said MUP would target price increases on the cheaper
and higher strength products which are disproportionately purchased by those at greatest risk of harm from their drinking.
He also claimed it could increase the cost of living for those who do not wish to drink less
and is likely to lead to those on low incomes cutting other parts of the household budget, such as food and heating.
But until a minimum price is introduced, runs for a while
and is subsequently analysed, it is impossible to say with certainty how and to what extent a minimum alcohol price will change behaviour and improve health.
The Welsh Assembly’s health and social care committee is taking evidence on the proposed minimum 50p unit price.
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