7. United Kingdom Independence Party Debate: A minimum price for alcohol

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:50 pm on 9 May 2018.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 6:50, 9 May 2018

Yes. We've already written to the Advertising Standards Authority about a range of matters, and officials do continue to have a dialogue, not just about this Bill but about a wider suite of measures to try and change individual behaviour, but also within the alcohol industry itself, because it's actually not that long ago that most beers, lagers and ciders sold in pubs were significantly less strong than they are now. They're about 20 per cent stronger on a regular basis now in every pub that we drink in. And referring to the figures on health inequalities, we should not simply stand by and ignore that level of health inequality that already exists.

Last Thursday, we completed Stage 2 proceedings on this Bill, and I have listened carefully to the debates that we have had so far, and I do plan to work with Members in other parties over the coming weeks to see where we can work together to address some of the issues raised, particularly around the need to promote awareness of the legislation and post-legislative scrutiny. Members will, of course, have a further opportunity to debate the Bill at Stage 3 and a final vote at Stage 4.

Minimum pricing for alcohol is not a silver bullet. It is part of our wider approach to reduce alcohol consumption and to promote a healthier relationship with alcohol. We should use all levers available to us to support people in Wales to develop that healthier relationship with alcohol and end the sad reality that far too many people die from drink.

Minimum pricing is both novel and groundbreaking, and it can, of course, divide opinion. That is exactly why we have included sunset and review provisions in the Bill, and they have been widely endorsed and I'm sure, as Suzy Davies indicated, we'll continue to debate them throughout Stage 3. I look forward to Stage 3, Llywydd, and hopefully Stage 4, and the continued scrutiny of this significant piece of public health legislation.