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Waterford, Ireland / WLR
May 4, 2021 6:05 AM
The cost of alcohol will soon rise if the Government approves the implementation of minimum pricing for alcohol today (Tuesday).
The Irish Examiner reports that Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly will seek approval for the scheme, which could see the price of a bottle of vodka increase by up to €7.
It is understood Mr Donnelly hopes to introduce minimum unit pricing in the coming months in order to “reduce the health harms of alcohol” by preventing the sale of strong alcohol products at very low prices.
The Public Health (Alcohol) Act specifies a minimum price per gram of alcohol of 10 cent.
Ireland to push ahead with alcohol minimum pricing
The Republic of Ireland s cabinet is expected to push ahead with alcohol minimum unit pricing, despite opposition from retailers.
Retailers fear unless similar measures are introduced in Northern Ireland there will be a surge in cross-border shoppers seeking cheaper booze .
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly believes minimum pricing for alcohol is a necessary public health measure.
The issue will be discussed when the cabinet meets on Tuesday.
Statistics from the country s Revenue Commissioners indicate that alcohol consumption levels in 2020 were 10.07 litres of pure alcohol per person, only slightly down - 6.6% - on the previous year despite the closure of many pubs and restaurants for large parts of 2020.