Northern Ireland - Minimum Pricing

Following England, Wales and Scotland, Northern Ireland is now considering whether to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol.

The Health Minister, Edwin Poots, has ordered a report to be prepared on the effect of introducing a minimum price on alcohol in Northern Ireland following the incident at the Odyssey on 8 February 2014 when 108 persons had to be treated for the effects of alcohol 

Mr Poots highlighted his concern about the availability of alcohol at "pocket money prices" as well as pre-loading which is thought to have contributed to the incident earlier this month.

The report should be completed within the next few months at which time a decision will be made whether or not to proceed with appropriate legislation.