A minimum unit price for alcohol looks set to be introduced across Britain in the next few years, and is widely supported by health professionals. IFS research has suggested the policy could have a big impact: we estimate that almost half of off-licence units sell today for less than 40p, the illustrative rate for England and Wales in the Home Office alcohol strategy. However, the policy would probably transfer large sums from drinkers to alcohol retailers and manufacturers. We suggested it would be preferable to move towards a more equal taxation of different drinks on the basis of their alcohol content, helping introduce a floor price through the tax system but allowing the revenues to flow to the Exchequer instead. IFS work on minimum pricing has recently been presented to the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs and discussed in oral evidence to the Scottish Parliament Health and Sport select committee.