Wales Alcohol Minimum Unit Price Rises to 65p From October 2026
Wales alcohol minimum unit price increased from 50p to 65p per unit on 1st October 2026. The change means some cheap, high-strength drinks must now cost more, but it does not mean every bottle, can or pint automatically becomes more expensive.
At a glance
The rule affects alcoholic products sold below their new legal minimum. Products already priced above that minimum do not have to increase in price.
What changed to alcohol prices in Wales?
Wales introduced minimum unit pricing in March 2020, when the minimum was set at 50p per unit. From 1st October 2026, the legal minimum increased to 65p per unit. Welsh Government guidance confirms that retailers must not sell or supply covered alcoholic products below the applicable minimum price.
The change is aimed at very cheap, high-strength alcohol. It does not set the price that every retailer must charge, and it does not require a price rise where a product is already being sold above its calculated minimum.
How much will alcohol cost under the 65p minimum price?
The legal minimum depends on the volume of the drink and its alcohol by volume (ABV). These examples are based on the Welsh Government’s published calculation guidance.
These are minimum permitted selling prices calculated using the statutory formula, not typical supermarket prices or a prediction of what a shop will charge. Source: Welsh Government detailed guidance.
For example, a bottle of vodka at 40% ABV and 70cl has a calculated minimum price of £18.20. If it is already sold for more than that, the new minimum pricing rule does not by itself require the retailer to raise its price to another level.
How is the 65p minimum alcohol price calculated?
The formula uses three things: the minimum price per unit, the drink’s alcohol strength and its volume.
ABV means alcohol by volume. In the calculation, use the number shown as the percentage strength, such as 5 for a drink labelled 5% ABV, and the volume in litres.
Try the official calculator
Use the Welsh Government’s calculator to work out the minimum for a specific drink.
Which drinks are most likely to be affected by the Wales Alcohol Minimum Unit Price increase?
There is no single type of drink that automatically becomes more expensive. What matters is the combination of its strength, volume and current selling price.
Cheap, high-strength drinks
Products currently priced below their newly calculated legal minimum must be brought up to at least that price.
Drinks already above the minimum
If a product already costs more than its legal minimum, the rule alone does not require a price increase.
The minimum price itself has risen by 30%, but that does not mean alcohol prices generally rise by 30%. The effect on an individual product depends on whether its current selling price falls below the new minimum.
Does the rule apply to supermarkets, shops, pubs and restaurants?
The law applies to businesses, organisations and people required to hold an alcohol licence in Wales. That includes the usual licensed places where alcohol is sold or supplied. The exact position for online orders can depend on where the alcohol is supplied from and where the customer is located, so businesses should check the official guidance for their circumstances.
Retailers are responsible for ensuring the products they sell meet the applicable minimum price. The rule is not a requirement for shoppers to register, apply for anything or take special action.
Are there any exemptions to Wales Alcohol Minimum Unit Price?
There are specific exemptions to the Wales Alcohol Minimum Unit Price, including certain products at very low alcohol strength, denatured alcohol, alcohol in medicinal products and some products such as perfume and flavouring essences. The exemptions are defined in the legislation and official guidance; shoppers should not assume an ordinary alcoholic drink is exempt because of where or how it is sold.
See the full Welsh Government guidance for the precise scope and exemptions.
What happens if a seller gets it wrong?
Local authorities in Wales enforce minimum unit pricing. Selling or supplying alcohol below the applicable minimum can be an offence and may result in a fixed penalty or prosecution. The Welsh Government’s detailed enforcement guidance explains the arrangements and penalties.
For shoppers, the practical point is that the responsibility sits with the seller, not the customer.
Does the 65p minimum price apply across the UK?
No. Minimum unit pricing is not a single UK-wide system. Wales and Scotland have separate rules, while England and Northern Ireland do not currently have an equivalent minimum unit pricing system.
per unit from 1st October 2026
per unit under Scotland’s separate rules
No equivalent minimum unit pricing rule
No equivalent minimum unit pricing rule
Wales now has the same minimum price per unit as Scotland, but the countries have separate legislation and guidance. For the Welsh rules, use the Welsh Government summary guidance.
Why has the Wales Alcohol Minimum Unit Price increased?
The Welsh Government says minimum unit pricing is intended to reduce alcohol-related harm by making very cheap, high-strength alcohol less affordable. Government modelling suggests that raising the minimum to 65p could prevent more than 900 alcohol-related deaths and help nearly 5,000 people reduce harmful drinking over 20 years. These are projections, not guaranteed outcomes. Read the Welsh Government announcement for its explanation and evidence.
Do I need to do anything?
No. Shoppers do not need to register or apply for anything. You may notice some prices change, particularly for products previously sold below the new legal minimum. Products already above their calculated minimum are not required to become more expensive because of this change alone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum alcohol price in Wales from October 2026?
The minimum price is 65p per unit of alcohol from 1st October 2026, up from 50p per unit.
How much must a 70cl bottle of vodka at 40% ABV cost?
Its calculated legal minimum price is £18.20 under the 65p-per-unit formula.
Will every bottle of alcohol cost more?
No. Only products priced below their new calculated minimum need to rise to at least that amount.
Does the 65p rule apply in England?
No equivalent minimum unit pricing system currently applies in England. Wales and Scotland have their own separate systems.
Where can I calculate the minimum price for a drink?
More changes worth knowing about
Alcohol pricing is one of several consumer changes taking effect around the UK. You may also want to read our guides to the October 2026 tobacco duty increase and the new vaping products duty.
These are separate changes with different rules, so check each guide for the relevant dates and who may be affected.
Official guidance and further information
- Welsh Government: minimum unit pricing summary guidance
- Welsh Government: detailed guidance, calculations and enforcement
- Welsh Government: minimum price calculator
- Welsh Government: announcement of the 65p change
Information checked: 11th October 2026
This article is general consumer information based on published Welsh Government guidance available on the date shown. Rules and guidance can change. For a specific product, licence or business obligation, check the official guidance directly.
