Government research will assess impact of minimum price for alcohol

The UK government has commissioned new research into minimum pricing for units of alcohol, whom it would affect the most, and in what way, it has been revealed.

England’s public health minister, Gillian Merron, told the parliamentary health select committee on 25 February that the Home Office had commissioned the research.

Ms Merron was appearing before the committee for its inquiry into the responsibilities of the public health minister.

The Home Office’s research is focusing on determining what effects, if any, minimum pricing would have on alcohol related crime and disorder, although a minimum price will also have implications for health.

MPs on the committee said that …