Minimum unit pricing
A rapid narrative review of the evidence on alcohol use, harms and unintended consequences
About this review
Conducted between November 2025 and May 2026, this rapid narrative review synthesised six reviews and 18 additional studies examining the impact of minimum unit pricing (MUP) on alcohol use, related harms, and unintended consequences in Australia and comparable jurisdictions.
Key messages
- MUP consistently reduces purchases of the cheapest alcohol, with effects concentrated among people who drink heavily and those most at risk of alcohol‑related harm.
- Evidence indicates that the effects of MUP increase when minimum prices are set higher and maintained over time.
- MUP has the potential to reduce alcohol‑related harms and health inequities.
- Evidence to date provides little indication of widespread unintended consequences