Ireland’s minimum alcohol pricing comes into effect

Minimum unit alcohol pricing has come into effect in Ireland from today (4).

The measure sees Ireland become one of only a small number of countries worldwide to introduce a legal floor price for the cost of alcoholic drinks. The move is expected to impact more on alcohol sold in supermarkets and off licences, rather than pubs, restaurants and night clubs. 

The new rule aims to reduce alcohol consumption across all groups. However, it is particularly targeted at heavier and younger drinkers, the cohorts considered to be consuming the most cheap alcohol.

The price of premium alcohol will remain largely unaffected, but the changes will be evident in cheaper alcohol and promotional deals.

Under the new rule, average bottle of wine cannot be sold for under 7.40 euros, while a can of beer will cost at least 1.70 euros.

Spirits will see the biggest jump in price, with vodka and gin set to cost a minimum of 20.70 euros, while whiskey will rise to at least 22 euro.

Scotland was the first in Europe to introduce it in 2018, followed by Wales in 2020.

A supermarket price survey from the Irish Independent found a 24-pack of Budweiser 500ml cans will increase from €18 to a minimum of €40.71, equating to a rise from 75c per can to €1.70.

Last week, a 700ml bottle of Smirnoff vodka (37.5 per cent) was priced at €15 in Lidl, this will increase to at least €20.71 from tomorrow.

A 700ml bottle of Gordon’s Dry Gin will rise to €20.71 from  €15.

Health officials hope to deter binge drinking among young people by discouraging “pre-loading” on cheap alcohol before a night out.

However, retailers and experts have warned the policy will simply drive consumers across the border to buy cheaper alcohol in Northern Ireland.

In Northern Ireland, no decision has been made on whether to follow suit. The Department of Health said it would launch a consultation on the idea in “early 2022”.