NIADA Attends Health Committee Clinic on Minimum Unit Pricing at Stormont
Minimum Unit Pricing Northern Ireland
NIADA recently attended a Health Committee Clinic at Stormont focused on Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) and its potential role in reducing alcohol-related harm in Northern Ireland. The event provided a valuable platform for discussion and collaboration between MLAs, NIADA members, and representatives from across the community and voluntary sector.
The session aimed to highlight the evidence surrounding Minimum Unit Pricing and to explore how this approach could complement wider harm reduction and public health strategies. MUP sets a baseline price per unit of alcohol, ensuring that the cheapest and strongest drinks are not sold at dangerously low prices. Evidence from other parts of the UK suggests that this measure can help reduce alcohol misuse, hospital admissions, and related harms — particularly in vulnerable communities.
While Northern Ireland continues to consider the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing, the discussion at Stormont underscored the importance of open dialogue, shared learning, and partnership in shaping effective policy. The presence of elected representatives demonstrated a strong interest in understanding how MUP could be implemented in a way that supports both individuals and communities.
NIADA remains committed to facilitating these important conversations and ensuring that the voices of those working on the frontline of addiction and recovery are heard in policy development.
We’ll share further updates, insights, and feedback from attendees once the full summary of the event becomes available.
