Mr Donnelly was speaking ahead of a statement in the Assembly tomorrow (Tuesday) by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, who has previously stated time is running out to introduce the policy here, adding he was expecting it to be blocked in the Executive.

East Antrim MLA Mr Donnelly said minimum unit pricing would have a corresponding positive impact on reducing pressure on the PSNI.

“The Department of Health has stated over 20,000 alcohol-related criminal offences take place each year. Statistics show even a 50p unit price would reduce those crimes by an estimated 1,222 per year, which would also reduce associated costs by around £11 million.

“That would make an incredible difference to the PSNI. For those parties who claim to care about safer streets and reducing pressure on the police, they need to clarify why they are blocking a move that would do exactly that.

“Since Scotland introduced minimum unit pricing, alcohol-related deaths and hospital admissions wholly attributable to alcohol have both reduced. It is about time Northern Ireland followed in these footsteps and adopted an equivalent policy.

“This again underlines the need to reform our institutions. It is wrong one party can block an evidence-based policy decision which would save lives.”