Northern Ireland considers minimum pricing

Published: 20 August, 2010

Northern Ireland is considering introducing a minimum price on alcohol ? as a first step the Assembly has announced a crackdown on irresponsible drinks deals in retail outlets and pubs.

Social Development Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly Alex Attwood is considering banning deals such as buy one get one free, women drinking free and all inclusives.

Attwood said: "The irresponsible sale of alcohol can create many health and social problems in our community.

"It is imperative that we get new laws introduced to tackle this problem."

In order to fast-track new rules Attwood has asked to "piggy-back" on the new Justice Bill.

"This is a clear example of Ministers and government working quickly together to identify and address problems," he said.

A consultation on his proposals will be announced in the autumn.

Attwood added: "I want to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol in clubs, pubs and supermarkets but also, on a larger scale, I want to target those retailers who sell alcohol below cost price in order to encourage higher footfall and therefore generate sales.

"Selling alcohol at minimal prices encourages people to drink irresponsibly, with damaging knock on effects on themselves and in society."

Attwood has already begun to tackle alcohol abuse through the Licensing Bill, which was presented to the Assembly in June, and includes extra powers for police to close pubs immediately if there's disorder.

Printer friendly version