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The Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018 was implemented on 2 March 2020.

This law applies to all businesses, organisations and persons required to hold a license for alcohol. 

Any retailer who sells or supplies, or authorises the sale or supply of, alcohol below the minimum price will be breaking the law and could be fined.

We have produced full guidance on how to calculate, implement and enforce the law on MUP.

Printable posters, leaflets and shelf edges are available for retailers to download.

What is the minimum unit price (MUP)?

We consulted on a preferred level of 50p per unit which was agreed by the National Assembly for Wales.

It was introduced on 2 March 2020.

How to calculate the minimum price for an alcoholic drink

The Act includes a formula for how the applicable minimum price must be calculated. This formula is made up of the MUP (50p), the percentage strength of the alcohol and its volume.  

MUP (£0.5) x Strength (%) x Volume (litres) = minimum price at which it can be sold.

For example, the calculation of the minimum price for a 70cl bottle of vodka  of 40% ABV strength would be: 

  • 50p (MUP) x 40 (Strength) x 0.7 (Volume): 0.5 X 40 X 0.7 = £14.00

The minimum price this bottle of vodka could be sold is £14.00.

If you have any further queries, please contact: DeddfIaA.MUPAct@gov.wales