The three year evaluation of the Minimum Unit Price (MUP) was released on 6 October 2022.

The MUP was designed as part of a suite of alcohol reforms aimed at cutting alcohol related harm and antisocial behaviour across the Northern Territory.

While acknowledging that it was difficult to solely evaluate the MUP without considering the assistance of other alcohol reform measures, the evaluation concluded that the MUP had been effective and recommended keeping it in place.

Key findings included:

1. A reduction in alcohol related harms
2. A reduction in the supply of low-cost, high-alcohol products like cask wine and;
3. No evidence to suggest the MUP had any negative effects on industry, tourism or the NT economy.

The report shows declines in alcohol-related harm across a range of key areas since 2018, with a 25.8% decline in alcohol related assaults. It also shows a 37.6% decline in alcohol related hospital admissions in Alice Springs Hospital, and a 24.2% decrease in Tennant Creek.

Overall, there has been a 19.4% reduction per capita in alcohol related emergency department presentations across the NT.

The evaluation gave a number of recommendations to improve the policy and reduce alcohol related harm. These recommendations will be considered by Government.

Visit Alcohol harm minimisation publications | NT Health.