AQW 39501/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 30/01/2026
Answered On Date: 04/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of Departments that have responded in favour to the proposed Minimum Unit Pricing of Alcohol bill.

Answer:

As I have made clear, I believe that Minimum Unit Pricing for Alcohol could be a key mechanism to reduce alcohol-related harm in Northern Ireland and to address the health inequalities that exist in this area.

However, such a policy requires the support of the NI Executive, and I continue to await formal confirmation of the position of my Executive colleagues. Executive business is confidential.

Prior to the 6 April 2026, I am required to either bring forward legislation to set a minimum unit price for alcohol or make a statement to the Assembly on why it has not been reasonably practicable to do so. This requirement is provided in the Licensing & Registrations of Clubs (Amendment) Act (NI) 2021.