This paper offers a perspective on the research evidence for minimum pricing for alcohol as a public health measure from a country where this policy idea originated. It looks at the current data on the negative impacts from heavy drinking in the UK, framing the need for an effective policy response, and gives an overview of the evidence to support minimum unit pricing (MUP) as a means of addressing the issue. In presenting the evidence to support MUP, this paper addresses some common criticisms of the policy, including those that have originated from alcohol industry sources. It concludes that policymakers can be confident that substantial total net health and social benefits will follow if MUP is introduced in the UK.