Northern Ireland's Health Minister Mike Nesbitt plans to seek Executive approval for minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol based on Scotland's model.

Northern Ireland's Health Minister Mike Nesbitt plans to pursue Executive approval for minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol, inspired by Scotland's model. Alcohol misuse costs Northern Ireland £900 million annually, exacerbating health inequalities, particularly in deprived areas. Nesbitt's initiative follows a 2022 consultation and aims to reduce cheap alcohol availability, leveraging evidence from Scotland that links MUP to decreased alcohol-related deaths and hospital admissions.

October 17, 2024
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