So, we move on to group 4, the final group of amendments, relating to promoting public awareness of minimum pricing of alcohol. Amendment 7 is the lead amendment in this group, and I call on Rhun ap Iorwerth to move and speak to the lead amendment in his name. Rhun ap Iorwerth.

Amendment 7 (Rhun ap Iorwerth) moved.

Thank you very much, Llywydd. There have been many references made this afternoon to the fact that we need to bring the public on a journey with us in relation to this legislation, and I believe that in these amendments I am betraying my background as a communicator, or my background as one who worked in the communications industry, because I do believe that it is entirely crucial that all possible opportunities are used to explain what precisely we are trying to achieve through this legislation, that all possible opportunities are used to acknowledge the doubts that some people may have, and to run through the evidence that suggests that we are doing the right thing. Therefore, these amendments are here to ensure that on the face of the Bill the promise is made that communicating the intent and purpose will be a crucial part of what we are doing.

It is of course important, as I say, that the public come along with us on the journey on any public health legislation. I think it has become quite evident among Assembly Members and members of the committee that undertook the scrutiny work, but certainly among the people that we took evidence from and engaged with, that in many parts of this area there was a lack of understanding and a lack of information, and therefore what is contained within the amendment is clarity on the type of communication work that the Government will undertake. I think that what the Government wanted to do initially was to say, 'Right, we will have to communicate with you how you will have to comply with this legislation.' Well, that is not what we were looking for, and this amendment takes a further step and says, 'Here are the reasons for this legislation. Because of health concerns, this legislation is being introduced. It is because of all this evidence that the Assembly has come to the conclusion that introducing a minimum price is or can be an effective tool.' 

Therefore, I am confident, following our discussions beforehand with the Government, that we can get agreement and support for this amendment. Indeed, I would hope, even from the benches to my right, that we would be able to get the Assembly's approval and consent for what we are seeking to do here, because whether you support the principle or not, when it comes to an Act being implemented, it is very important that that Act and its intents and purposes are explained clearly to people throughout Wales.

We will be supporting both amendments 7 and 8. At Stage 2, my colleague Suzy Davies raised concerns that the promotion plan was yet to be shared, which is of great concern to us, and we need to take every opportunity that we can to reinforce the public health message. We all talk about it here an awful lot; we need to start talking about it out there. 

I call on the Cabinet Secretary, Vaughan Gething.

Thank you, Presiding Officer. Indeed, at Stage 2, we discussed an amendment tabled by Rhun ap Iorwerth in relation to the duty to promote awareness. And at the time, I indicated I would be pleased to have further constructive discussions with him and I'd hoped to come to this point where we could support the amendments that he wished to provide. And I am happy to say, the Government will be supporting amendments 7 and 8.

We plan to act in accordance with amendment 8 in particular in the communications work we're planning to promote awareness of the requirements of the legislation, as well as the public health aims of the policy, namely to tackle alcohol-related harm by reducing alcohol consumption, especially in hazardous and harmful drinkers. I appreciate the importance of communication has been raised during scrutiny sessions and, indeed, with stakeholders—that includes our key partners in Welsh heads of trading standards, who welcome the sums of money that we've put aside specifically for them to work with retailers and trade. We're planning to develop a set of national communications to underpin that work with them and, indeed, with a wider group of stakeholders. That will cover both work in the lead up to the legislation coming into force as well as afterwards. And in working with stakeholders and service providers, we will of course produce not just communication materials, but guidance as well. I have, this week, written to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee with an outline of that guidance and how we will be developing that further. It will of course include looking at what is already happening within Scotland, and I'm pleased to report there continues to be constructive and helpful relations between officials from the two Governments to share information and good practice. We are also engaged with area planning boards and other stakeholders, like the children's commissioner and indeed the older person's commissioner and the substance misuse network.

We fully recognise the need to work with service providers and their clients to share information about the forthcoming legislation and identify ways to help those who may need help and advice. We'll also undertake a range of public attitudes surveys before and after implementation, to measure public awareness of the new law as part of our ongoing evaluation work. So, I take on board the points that have been made, not just retail and trade, but a broader public health message as well about the understanding of why this legislation is being introduced. I look forward to working with Members across parties to not just outline what we will do, but hopefully we can celebrate the success of this legislation in making a real difference to public health right across the country.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, to reply to the debate.

Very briefly, politics and politicians can be accused sometimes of being out of touch with the public who elect us. It is an accusation that may be fair at times, and sometimes I believe it can be unfair. But, in this case, with this amendment, what we have is a bridge, directly between this piece of legislation that we are discussing as parliamentarians and our electors—the people of Wales, who will live with and come to understand, I'm sure, this legislation, in due course, because of the communication that will take place by including these amendments on the face of the Bill. I move the amendments formally.

The question is that amendment 7 be agreed to. Does any Member object? [Objection.] We'll proceed to an electronic vote on amendment 7. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 45, four abstentions, one against. Therefore, amendment 7 is agreed.

Amendment 7: For: 45, Against: 1, Abstain: 4

Amendment has been agreed

Rhun ap Iorwerth, amendment 8.

Amendment 8 (Rhun ap Iorwerth) moved.

Formally.

Formally. The question is that amendment 8 be agreed to. Does any Member object? [Objection.] We'll proceed to an electronic vote on amendment 8. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 45, four abstentions, one against. Therefore, amendment 8 is agreed.

Amendment 8: For: 45, Against: 1, Abstain: 4

Amendment has been agreed

We have, therefore, reached the end of our Stage 3 consideration of the Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Bill and I declare that all sections and Schedules of the Bill are deemed agreed.

All sections of the Bill deemed agreed.

And that concludes the Stage 3 proceedings.

The meeting ended at 17:33.