In Wales, the minimum unit price of alcohol will rise by 30% from 50p to 65p. Members of the Senedd agreed to the plan to align the policy with Scotland. Independent research by the Welsh Government says the move could prevent more than 900 alcohol-related deaths over 20 years and reduce the number of harmful drinkers by almost 5,000. The change will come into force in October. The minimum price of alcohol was introduced in Wales six years ago. Any retailer who sells or supplies alcohol below this price is breaking the law and can be fined. An assessment by researchers at the University of South Wales found that the introduction of minimum prices in 2020 made little difference to drinks sold in pubs, clubs and restaurants.