Pub bosses delivered another blow as Labour could be plotting major change to pricing

Ministers could bring in minimum alcohol pricing as part of a focus on public health.

Tackling the harms of alcohol is set to be one of the main aims of the government and it has been reported that alcohol pricing may change, according to sources at The Telegraph.

The newspaper reported sources saying a senior government figure had suggested the idea of minimum pricing at an industry event held before the General Election.

The source said a person told one business representtative the pub industry needed to “get its act together” or face the prospect of government intervention.

But a government spokesperson denied the claims, saying: “We have no plans to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol.”

It comes after the Labour government this week announced a smoking ban in beer gardens which shows the commitment to tackling public health issues.

It has also been reported that a government figure pointed to action by soft drinks producers. In 2018, these companies were forced to cut the sugar content in their products due to the sugar tax, but it has been said they may still need to do more.

Minimum unit pricing is already in force in Scotland and Wales so it would not be surprising if this law was introduced.

In Scotland, the law has been in place since 2018 and applies to shops, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants.

Alcohol minimum price per unit sold will be going up from 50p to 65p this September which has been criticised.

Wales introduced the law two years later and Northern Ireland has also considered bringing in the policy.

Some have criticised the policy in Scotland and Wales, pointing out that they do not believe it has had much of an impact.

Others have recognised that when a government prioritises public health, there is always the possibility they will look at alcohol policies.