24 Apr 2014

Govt won't set alcohol minimum price

7:00 pm on 24 April 2014

The Government says it won't be introducing a minimum price on alcohol.

A Justice Ministry report titled The Effectiveness of Alcohol Pricing Policies recommends that a minimum price not be considered for introduction for five years.

The report says that would allow time for new alcohol reforms to bed in, including local alcohol policies.

Justice Minister Judith Collins said the Government won't introduce a minimum price, as it would hit moderate drinkers in the pocket.

Ms Collins said there is no compelling evidence that increasing the price is the correct approach.