The Federation of Independent Retailers (The Fed) has warned that a 30% increase in the minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol in Wales could hurt retailers trading near English borders.
It comes after the Welsh government confirmed that the MUP for alcohol in Wales is set to rise from 50p to 65p per unit from October 2026, bringing Wales MUP in line with Scotland. The increase means a can of beer currently priced at £1 must cost at least £1.30.
Independent research commissioned by the Welsh government found increasing the MUP to 65p could prevent more than 900 alcohol-related deaths over 20 years and reduce the number of “harmful drinkers” by nearly 5,000.
Announcing the legislation change, minister for mental health and wellbeing Sarah Murphy, said: “Cheap, high-strength alcohol disproportionately affects hazardous and harmful drinkers.
“The evidence is clear – minimum unit pricing works. We have taken a decision which will save lives and help protect many people from the harms caused by drinking too much alcohol.”
While the Fed said it did not oppose the increase, it raised concerns about the impact it would have on retailers operating close to England, where MUP does not apply.
Clive Birkby, the Fed’s president for Wales, said: “In the past, supermarkets have sold alcohol as super cheap loss leading products - something which is damaging to small shops and also to those advocating responsible consumption.
“We have highlighted concerns, though, for how this policy will impact our members who are close to the border with England, given that England does not have MUP.
”We will continue to monitor the impact of this policy change and what it might do to reduce problem drinking and the health and social impact of that – though we will repeat our call for the Welsh and Westminster governments to provide more information about responsible drinking through better education.”
During a consultation last year, the Fed called for clearer communication to retailers about the proposed MUP increase in Wales, particularly as MUP does not apply in England.
MUP was introduced in Wales in 2020 under the Public Health (Minimum Unit Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018.
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