The Welsh government has approved a bill which will introduce Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) across the country.

Once the process has been finalised, it will become illegal for wholesalers and retailers to sell alcohol below a certain price per unit. The bill still requires formal approval from the Queen, but will become law once the process has been completed. It is expected to come into force during summer next year.

Welsh health secretary Vaughan Gething said: “This legislation takes a sensible, targeted approach to a very real and evident problem in Wales today.

“Wales, like so many other western countries, has a problem with cheap, strong, readily-available alcohol. This legislation will make an important contribution to addressing this issue.”

The decision comes as MUP was introduced into Scotland in May, making it illegal to sell alcohol for less than 50p per unit.  

Read more: Find out how Scottish retailers are adapting to MUP