One in seven (14%) of Irish drinkers will be affected by the minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol, according to a study conducted by Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and Health Research Board.

The research has analysed the association between high-risk drinking, personal income, place of purchase and price paid for alcohol.

This is the first set of research in Ireland to examine the potential impact of minimum unit pricing for alcohol at a population level.

The study was conducted using a national sample of 3,187 Irish adults aged 18-75 years.

"The primary objective of the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol is to reduce alcohol-attributable harm."

Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported high-risk drinking with men being more likely to report high-risk drinking compared with women.

The majority (69%) of low-cost alcohol is bought below €1 per standard drink and purchased in supermarkets. 

Heaviest drinks chose cheapest alcohol products, irrespective of income with around 45% of the heaviest drinkers with both high and low incomes buying cheap alcohol.

RCSI lead researcher Gráinne Cousins said: "The primary objective of the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol is to reduce alcohol-attributable harm.

"Some opponents of minimum unit pricing are concerned that consumers using alcohol in a low-risk manner will be punished with higher prices.

"As a result the introduction of minimum unit pricing in Ireland is likely to target those suffering the greatest harm, and reduce alcohol-attributable mortality in Ireland."