It follows its introduction in the Republic in January and could see a levelling up  of prices across the island of  Ireland.

Minister Swann, below, said: “I made a commitment that I would hold a public consultation on the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) for alcohol in Northern Ireland within a year of the launch of the new Substance Use Strategy. I launched our new substance use strategy on 7 September 2021 and today I make good on my promise and launch this public consultation so that the people of Northern Ireland can have their say on this important policy.

“For many years now alcohol has been our drug of choice in Northern Ireland and this is reflected in our high rates of alcohol specific deaths. I believe that the introduction of MUP will have a direct impact and help to reduce the number of these deaths over time.

“I have been greatly encouraged by the positive evidence coming out about the introduction of MUP within Scotland and firmly believe that its introduction here has the potential to be a key population-level health measure to address the harms related to alcohol consumption and help to prevent individuals coming to harm in the first place.

“Research has shown that the full social cost to the Northern Ireland economy of alcohol-related harm could be as high as £900m per year, with up to £250m directly borne by the health sector alone and a further £383m borne by the Justice sector. However, this financial burden can never fully describe the incalculable impact that alcohol related harm has on our society.

“The evidence is quite clear that price is a key factor in driving alcohol-related harm. Alcohol is 74% more affordable now than it was 30 years ago, and the availability of alcohol at very low prices is encouraging excessive and, most importantly, harmful consumption.

“Now I want to hear the views of the public and I would urge everyone to have their say and respond to this consultation.”

Under the new law in the Republic the minimum price is 10 cent per gram of alcohol.

That means the cheapest 750ml bottle of wine costs €7.40 (12.5% alcohol) whereas previously it cost less than €5.

Gin and vodka (40%) costs no less than €20.71 for a 700ml bottle, 700ml of whiskey (43%) at least €22.09, and a 500ml can of beer €1.70.

Scotland was the first in Europe to introduce it in 2018, followed by Wales in 2020.

The consultation document is available on-line Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk).

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As James McGinn, for so long the face of the Europa, settles into his new role the company unveiled the new faces at the helm of both Ballygally Castle and the Stormont Hotel.

Taking the reins at the picturesque Causeway Coastal Route venue is Scott Weatherup, top left, who boasts over 16 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and has previously worked in management positions in sister properties the Culloden Estate & Spa, Stormont Hotel and the Everglades.

As part of his career progression with Hastings Hotels, Scott completed a number of training courses and qualifications including a management programme through the Ulster University.

Meanwhile, taking the top job at the Stormont Hotel is Mike Wilson, above right, who has over 15 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, most recently working for the Marriot-owned  Aloft Hotels in Liverpool.

Having moved to Northern Ireland in 2021 he’s now looking forward to driving forward the business at a venue on the doorstep of Stormont estate, just minutes from the city centre and that’s ideal for weddings, conferences and events.

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“We look forward to working with the Minister on his new proposals to increase to 24 months’ rates relief for retailers who occupy vacant properties. This has been a long-term policy priority for Retail NI and is important if we are to address the huge problem of dereliction on our high streets.

“It is disappointing that the Executive could not agree on this budget and does make it difficult for business and civic society to respond to the document if there is not consensus amongst the five parties.

“If the parties do agree a new budget in the next few weeks, will this consultation be stopped and a new one started?”

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MLAs at Stormont considered legislation to modernise NI’s 25-year-old licensing laws into the early hours of Wednesday.

Among many proposed changes, the bill aims to allow pubs and clubs to serve alcohol until 2am almost every weekend.

Other changes could see the current restrictions around Easter drinking scrapped and the definition of what constitutes “a place of public entertainment” extended to perhaps allow drink to be sold in cinemas.

After 63 amendments were debated, the Licensing and Registration of Clubs Bill passed its consideration stage shortly before 3am.

The legislation could now pass its final stage in the Assembly by the end of the month, with changes becoming in October.

Welcoming the proposals, Colin Neill of Hospitality Ulster said there had been a “number of false dawns” in relation to modernising licensing laws and now change was “tantalisingly close”.

Her added: “We recognise alcohol is a controlled substance and needs to be treated as such, we haven’t come asking for 24-hour drinking like England or deregulation, this is about looking at what the customer wants and actually modernise it.

“They are modest but significant in their impact measures, because people do go out later now, they want to go out and socialise.

“We have to be able to provide that (extended hours) particularly with tourists visiting here as well.”

‘Further consultation’

Speaking to the BBC following the debate, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said she wanted further consultation on the proposal to allow alcohol in cinemas as “there are very few places at which a family can go and enjoy entertainment where there is no alcohol sold”.

“I want to make sure on the issue of cinemas and looking at that entertainment, which is very family focused, that we do more consultation on that issue,” she added.

As the lengthy debate began on Tuesday evening, Speaker Alex Maskey predicted it may run until the “early hours of the morning and maybe some of us will be driven to drink afterwards”.

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