'Pocket money prices': NI health minister to consult on minimum pricing for alcohol

The Scottish Government introduced minimum unit pricing on alcohol in 2018, a move which Mr Swann said he has been closely following. Picture: PA

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Robin Swann has committed to a public consultation on the introduction of minimum pricing for alcohol.

A review of the current Alcohol and Drugs Strategy in 2019 indicated alcohol-related deaths continue to rise and hospital admissions linked to drinking increased from 9,573 in 2008/09 to 11,636 in 2016/17.