# UK alcohol taxation and pricing changes > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-alcohol-taxation-and-pricing-changes > Updated: 2026-10-28T14:34:10.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. In late 2026, regulatory and fiscal changes were implemented regarding alcohol costs in the United Kingdom. The Welsh Government increased the minimum unit price (MUP) of alcohol by 30%, raising the floor from 50p to 65p per unit to combat inflation and discourage the consumption of cheap, high-strength beverages. The government stated this adjustment aims to prevent over 900 alcohol-related deaths and reduce harmful drinking levels over the next two decades. Following this, the UK Chancellor announced an increase in alcohol duty tied to the Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation rate of 3.9 per cent. This measure is expected to raise the duty on a pint of beer from 50p to 52p and increase the price of a bottle of wine by 10p to 12p. To support the industry, the Treasury pledged a £10m boost to alcohol duty relief for brewers and cider makers, alongside a 20 per cent cut to business rates for pubs, clubs, and music venues. The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) criticized the duty hike, describing it as “breathtaking” and warning it would “stifle British business.” ## Timeline ### 2026-10-28: UK Chancellor increases alcohol duty in line with inflation UK Chancellor John Healey is raising alcohol duty in line with RPI inflation, a move criticized by the WSTA for potentially increasing consumer prices and harming the drinks sector. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-chancellor-increases-alcohol-duty-in-line-with-inflation ### 2026-09-30: Wales increases minimum alcohol unit price by 30% Wales has raised its minimum alcohol unit price by 30% from 50p to 65p to combat inflation and reduce alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wales-increases-minimum-alcohol-unit-price-by-30 --- Cite as: UK alcohol taxation and pricing changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-alcohol-taxation-and-pricing-changes