Cheap alcohol still sold for 'pocket money prices' according to charity

Credit: PA

A survey looking at alcohol prices across the UK has found that for the cost of a small latte, it is possible to buy more than the weekly recommended limit of alcohol.

The Alcohol Health Alliance who carried out the research found that products across the market are falling well below the 50p per unit mark recommended by health and alcohol bodies.

The news comes days before the UK Supreme Court hears a case to make minimum unit pricing for alcohol legal.

First Minister Carwyn Jones championed the initiative when he set out his legislative priorities back in June. The Welsh Government plans to introduce the legislation following evidence showing a direct link between drinking harmful levels and the availability of cheap alcohol.

The AHA, made up of medical royal colleges, alcohol organisations and health bodies found that cider is still the cheapest alcohol sold. A 3-litre bottle of 7.5% ABV cider, which contains the equivalent of 22 shots of vodka, was priced at £3.59 in 2017 up just 10p on 2016.

The cheapest wine surveyed in 2016 was found to be even cheaper in 2017, available for just 31p per unit.

According to the AHA, cheap, high-strength alcohol is known to be predominantly drunk by the most vulnerable groups, including children and the homeless.

The AHA says legislative changes would benefit the poorest groups Credit: PA

The AHA says minimum unit pricing would save lives, reduce hospital admissions and cut crime. They say it would benefit the poorest groups as studies show that 8 out of 10 lives saved through minimum pricing would come from the lowest income groups.

The UK Supreme Court case will take place on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 July.