Minimum Price For Alcohol By 2013?

A minimum price for alcohol is expected to be set by 2013, it has been revealed.

Northern Ireland's Health Minister Edwin Poots told the radio programme, TalkBack, that he thought that legislation would be in place by late autumn next year and that once in place it could not be challenged.

Last week laws in England and Wales were passed that set the minimum price per unit of alcohol at 40 pence.

Meanwhile the Scottish government is seriously considering similar legislation which they aim to have in place by by late May or early June.

Following on from this Mr Poots said that Northern Ireland would also be making the move to minimum pricing.

He told the radio show: "We are going out to tender some work which will lead to legislation, which means it cannot be challenged by supermarkets who wish to continue to sell.

"This will allow us to move ahead with a consultation with the public and enable us to implement this next year."

According to research alcohol misuse is one of the main threats to public health in Northern Ireland and research has shown that it costs up to £900m every year.

The new alcohol strategy, it is hoped, will help local areas tackle problems and work with the drinks industry to encourage responsible drinking.

(LB)