The minimum price of alcohol (MUP) in Wales has risen by 30%, to bring the rate in line with Scotland.

Some people in Cardiff welcomed the change on Thursday, which means low-cost alcohol will now be more expensive to buy, while others feared it could impact a hospitality industry which is "already in a state of crisis".

Alcohol Change UK supported the rise and said there would be "little or no change" for moderate drinkers, as the policy would not change the price of a pint.

The Welsh government said the current 50p rate had been made "less effective" by inflation, and the change could prevent more than 900 deaths across the next two decades.

The change was first announced in February, with Welsh ministers calling it a "landmark policy", although the Welsh Conservatives argued at the time that it would hit hard-pressed consumers who do not have a drink problem.

The minimum unit price has increased from 50p to 65p, raising the lowest legal price that beer, wine, cider and spirits can be sold for.

It means a can of lager previously available for £1 will now cost at least £1.30, a £2.50 bottle of cider will increase to £3.25, and a bottle of whisky now costing £14 will cost a minimum of £18.20.

Drinks already sold above the new minimum price do not have to become more expensive.

Independent research commissioned by the Welsh government suggests the policy could reduce the number of "harmful drinkers" by nearly 5,000.

The policy was introduced in Wales in 2020 and the price increase follows a public consultation.

Public Health Wales figures show there was a rise of more than 50% in alcohol-related deaths between 2019 and 2023.

James said it could make going out for young people "more difficult", as they were more likely to look for deals and cheaper options when buying drinks at the supermarket.

It comes at a time when the hospitality industry is "already in a state of crisis", he added.

Overall James said the change was "unlikely to affect me", with Alice agreeing, saying it would hit people who go "percentage over taste" the most.

"I think it will be good in helping to reduce a lot of issues," she added.

Karen Wilson, 62, and Pete Wilson, 67, said the increase "might be a good thing" as it could "discourage youngsters and people who are alcoholics" from buying high-strength products.

Nia Davies, 21, agreed, saying it would help people who "struggle with alcohol problems".

But Dave Herbert, from Cardiff, said he was unsure about the "nanny state" policy.

"It's your decision. Don't keep trying to tell us it's bad for you, or it's good for you," he said.

The 72-year-old did, however, acknowledge that it could relieve pressure on the NHS which he understood was "under strain".

The move was welcomed by Andrew Misell, Alcohol Change UK director for Wales, who said it would "keep super-strength cider off the shelves" and make it more difficult for supermarkets to offer bulk discounts.

"And all this without pushing up the price of a pint in pubs," he added.

Responding to concerns that the increase will hit low-income households the most, Misell said moderate drinkers would see "little or no change" as the policy targeted the cheapest products on the market.

While the Welsh government is able to set its MUP, the UK government controls UK alcohol duty.

The latest change took place in February when non-draught rates increased in line with Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation.

Misell said Alcohol Change UK would be "making a case" to the chancellor to raise alcohol taxation ahead of the Autumn Budget later this month.

Natasha Asghar, Welsh Conservatives' spokesperson for health and social care, said the Welsh government should prioritise helping people who are struggling with the cost of living instead of "making alcohol more expensive for people who drink responsibly".

She added those with alcohol addiction needed access to treatment and rehabilitation to help them rebuild their lives.

Benjamin Hodge Mckenna, Reform's spokesperson on health and prevention, said: "This is yet further proof that Plaid Cymru are continuity Labour. As NHS waiting lists rise for the fourth consecutive month, they are more interested in pointlessly meddling in people's everyday lives than tackling the issues that actually matter to Welsh people.

"Six years after Minimum Unit Pricing was introduced in Wales, there is little evidence that it has delivered any meaningful public health improvements, while responsible Welsh consumers are forced to pay more when household budgets are already under pressure."

But Nerys Evans, Welsh government deputy minister for public and preventative health, said the MUP had already made "an important contribution" since being introduced.

She added the new rate would ensure the MUP is "keeping high strength low-cost alcohol off the shelves".

Additional reporting by Camille Wilson