The Welsh Assembly has approved a bill to implement a minimum price for alcohol in the region.

As part of the Welsh Government’s effort to cut excessive alcohol consumption, the Public Health Minimum Price for Alcohol (Wales) Bill will address longstanding and specific health concerns around the effects of consuming excess alcohol.

Expected to come into force by next year, the bill will aim to reduce the amount of excess alcohol being consumed.

Alcohol consumption is currently estimated to cost Welsh National Health Service (NHS) more than £150m per year.

“Last year alone, there were more than 500 alcohol-related deaths and nearly 55,000 alcohol-related hospital admissions in Wales.”

Wales Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “Last year alone, there were more than 500 alcohol-related deaths and nearly 55,000 alcohol-related hospital admissions in Wales, with the direct healthcare costs attributable to alcohol amounting to an estimated £159m.

“But even more of an issue is the devastation that lies behind these figures. Devastation for families, impacts on communities, and consequences for our NHS staff and support services as they all cope with the aftermath of alcohol-related death and disease, every day.

“This legislation provides us with an opportunity for a step change. It gives us a chance to do more to address alcohol-related harms. And ultimately, it gives us a chance to do more to try to save lives.”

Once the bill is approved by the UK royal family, it will allow ministers to set a minimum price for alcohol sales.