The Health Minister says new minimum pricing for alcohol aim to reduce serious illness and death from drinking.
The laws, which come into effect today, means a gram of alcohol must now cost at least 10 cent.
A standard bottle of wine cannot no long be sold for less than €7.10.
We welcome the introduction of minimum unit pricing on alcohol from 4th Jan. This will prevent strong alcohol from being sold at low prices. Alcohol is a major cause of illness and disease, hospitalisations, self-harm and violence in Ireland. Helpline no. below. #AskAboutAlcohol pic.twitter.com/0sevrOqZMR
— HSE Health & Wellbeing (@HsehealthW) January 3, 2022
Alcohol Action Ireland CEO, Sheila Gilheaney says it's aimed at problem-drinkers and young people.
"It's actually targeting at the highest levels and riskiest levels [of drinking]."
Ms Gilheaney says AAI's modeling suggests over 200 alcohol-related deaths can be stopped in the next 20 years as a result of the new measures.
