Regulation of the price of alcohol is the most cost-effective tool used by governments to address alcohol-related harm, according to the World Health Organisation. Governments use three main methods to regulate the price of alcohol:

  • Varying alcohol prices
  • Varying alcohol taxes/duties
  • Using Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP)

This page includes figures on alcohol pricing in the UK, the level of taxation for each beverage type, how the price of alcohol affects both the level of consumption and the level of various harms, and the impact of different policy measures on those consumption and harms, including evidence in several countries.

Resources available on this page:

  • Frequently Asked Questions about 'Price', with infographics presenting the most up-to-date statistics on the subject
  • Factsheets providing an in depth perspective on the subject of 'Price'
  • Publications, Blogs, and News tagged 'Price' for further reading

Frequently Asked Questions

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What determines the price of alcohol in the UK?
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How much do people pay for alcohol? (by product)
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How much do people pay for alcohol? (on-trade versus off-trade)
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How affordable is alcohol?
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How does alcohol's affordability affect consumption?
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How many deaths would be avoided if alcohol duty was increased?
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How many hospital admissions would be avoided if alcohol duty was increased?
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What are the current duty rates for alcohol?
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How have alcohol duties changed over time?
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Which countries have adopted minimum alcohol pricing?
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How does minimum unit pricing affect the price of alcohol?
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How effective is minimum unit pricing?

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How effective are alcohol duties and minimum unit pricing combined?
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Publications (View all)

March 2021 Budget Analysis

March 2021 Budget Analysis

April 2021

Blogs (View all)

News (View all)