A major change. 

Minimum pricing on alcohol is set to come into effect in shops and off-licenses across Ireland from today (Tuesday, January 4th).

The controversial measure, which has been in the pipeline since 2018, will ensure that cans of beer are sold at no less than €1.70 per can. This means that 24-packs of beer will now run you at least €40.

Bottles of wine will be sold at a minimum of €7.40, and large bottles of spirits (700ml) will be sold no cheaper than €20.

Section 11 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, passed over three years ago, allows for minimum pricing to be pegged at 1oc per gram of alcohol.

Minister Donnelly said: “This measure is designed to reduce serious illness and death from alcohol consumption and to reduce the pressure on our health services from alcohol related conditions. It worked in Scotland and I look forward to it working here,” he added.

Minister of State for Public Health and National Drugs Secretary Frank Feighan said: “We are taking this action to ensure that cheap strong alcohol is not available to children and young people at ‘pocket money’ prices and to help those who drink to harmful levels to reduce their intake.”