Northern Ireland could introduce a ban on cheap alcohol

Image via Unsplash

If you've been taking road trips across the border to avail of cheaper booze, you mightn't be able to for much longer.

Northern Ireland could soon see the introduction of a ban on cheap alcohol, similar to what's been done south of the border.

A new public consultation on the subject was launched today by Health Minister Robin Swann.

Minimum Unit Pricing came into affect in the Republic last month.

The new rules mean that a 500ml can of 4.2% stout costs at least €1.66, a 14% bottle of wine can't be sold for less than €8.28, a bottle of 37.5% spirits can't be sold for less than €20.71, and you won't be able to buy a bottle of 43% spirits for less than €23.75.

Minister Swann says the aim is to reduce alcohol consumption in the North by 5.7 percent.