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23/03/2012
Govt Considers Minimum Alcohol Pricing
Plans for a minimum price on alcohol are being proposed by the government in an effort to curb binge drinking.
Ministers say the minimum price of 40p per unit would not effect responsible pubs or drinkers but predict it could significantly change the behaviour of those who cause the most problems for hospitals and the police, by making it more expensive to get drunk.
Under the new proposals a minimum price would be established, such as the 40p per unit being considered, and retailers would not be allowed to offer alcohol below that level.
While it would not alter the price of most drinks it could significantly alter the price of heavily discounted ciders, super-strength lager and cheap spirits.
David Cameron said the government wanted to reverse a drinking culture that last year contributed to one million alcohol-related violent crimes and 1.2 million hospital admissions.
"Binge drinking isn't some fringe issue,” the Prime Minister said, “it accounts for half of all alcohol consumed in this country. The crime and violence it causes drains resources in our hospitals, generates mayhem on our streets and spreads fear in our communities."
He added: "We're consulting on the actual price, but if it is 40p that could mean 50,000 fewer crimes each year and 900 fewer alcohol related deaths per year by the end of the decade."
Other proposals include banning buy-one-get-one-free deals but, at the same time, it continuing to allow half-price promotions, and a plan for a ‘late-night levy’ which would make pubs and clubs help pay for policing.
Andrew Opie of the British Retail Consortium said the proposal was "seriously misguided".
"It's simplistic to imagine a minimum price is some sort of silver bullet solution to irresponsible drinking," he said.
"Irresponsible drinking has cultural causes and retailers have been hugely engaged in information and education to change attitudes to drinking.
"It's a myth to suggest that supermarkets are the problem or that a pub is somehow a safer drinking environment. Effectively, a minimum price is a tax on responsible drinkers."
(H)
Ministers say the minimum price of 40p per unit would not effect responsible pubs or drinkers but predict it could significantly change the behaviour of those who cause the most problems for hospitals and the police, by making it more expensive to get drunk.
Under the new proposals a minimum price would be established, such as the 40p per unit being considered, and retailers would not be allowed to offer alcohol below that level.
While it would not alter the price of most drinks it could significantly alter the price of heavily discounted ciders, super-strength lager and cheap spirits.
David Cameron said the government wanted to reverse a drinking culture that last year contributed to one million alcohol-related violent crimes and 1.2 million hospital admissions.
"Binge drinking isn't some fringe issue,” the Prime Minister said, “it accounts for half of all alcohol consumed in this country. The crime and violence it causes drains resources in our hospitals, generates mayhem on our streets and spreads fear in our communities."
He added: "We're consulting on the actual price, but if it is 40p that could mean 50,000 fewer crimes each year and 900 fewer alcohol related deaths per year by the end of the decade."
Other proposals include banning buy-one-get-one-free deals but, at the same time, it continuing to allow half-price promotions, and a plan for a ‘late-night levy’ which would make pubs and clubs help pay for policing.
Andrew Opie of the British Retail Consortium said the proposal was "seriously misguided".
"It's simplistic to imagine a minimum price is some sort of silver bullet solution to irresponsible drinking," he said.
"Irresponsible drinking has cultural causes and retailers have been hugely engaged in information and education to change attitudes to drinking.
"It's a myth to suggest that supermarkets are the problem or that a pub is somehow a safer drinking environment. Effectively, a minimum price is a tax on responsible drinkers."
(H)
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14 May 2012
Scotland Set Minimum Alcohol Price Of 50p Per Unit
A new minimum price for alcohol has been introduced in Scotland. Ministers have set the new minimum at 50p per unit, a move that will push a bottle of wine to £4.69 and four cans of basic lager to at least £3.52. It marks the first time minimum pricing has been tried in the European Union.
Scotland Set Minimum Alcohol Price Of 50p Per Unit
A new minimum price for alcohol has been introduced in Scotland. Ministers have set the new minimum at 50p per unit, a move that will push a bottle of wine to £4.69 and four cans of basic lager to at least £3.52. It marks the first time minimum pricing has been tried in the European Union.
19 November 2010
Reduce The VAT On Alcohol Sold In Pubs, Says Expert
Alcoholic drinks served in pubs should be taxed at a lower level than drinks bought from shops, says an expert in this week’s British Medical Journal (BMJ). This action would deliver the health benefits associated with introducing a minimum price on alcohol, increase tax revenue for the Treasury and save pubs says Dr Nick Sheron.
Reduce The VAT On Alcohol Sold In Pubs, Says Expert
Alcoholic drinks served in pubs should be taxed at a lower level than drinks bought from shops, says an expert in this week’s British Medical Journal (BMJ). This action would deliver the health benefits associated with introducing a minimum price on alcohol, increase tax revenue for the Treasury and save pubs says Dr Nick Sheron.
02 March 2009
Plans To Tackle Alcohol Abuse Announced In Scotland
Plans to ban two-for-one alcohol promotions and cheap supermarket booze have been outlined by the Scottish government today, to help tackle alcohol misuse.
Plans To Tackle Alcohol Abuse Announced In Scotland
Plans to ban two-for-one alcohol promotions and cheap supermarket booze have been outlined by the Scottish government today, to help tackle alcohol misuse.
02 June 2010
Minimum Alcohol Prices 'Inevitable'
The charity, Alcohol Concern has welcomed guidance released today by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on preventing alcohol harms, in particular recommendations in support of minimum pricing and availability.
Minimum Alcohol Prices 'Inevitable'
The charity, Alcohol Concern has welcomed guidance released today by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on preventing alcohol harms, in particular recommendations in support of minimum pricing and availability.
27 May 2010
MSP's Split On Minimum Alcohol Pricing
The Scottish Government's Health Committee has asked the Executive to specify a minimum price for alcohol per unit. The Stage 1 report which has been scrutinising the Holyrood Alcohol Bill noted the scale of the country's alcohol abuse problem but MSPs have disagreed on whether the key measure of minimum pricing would be beneficial.
MSP's Split On Minimum Alcohol Pricing
The Scottish Government's Health Committee has asked the Executive to specify a minimum price for alcohol per unit. The Stage 1 report which has been scrutinising the Holyrood Alcohol Bill noted the scale of the country's alcohol abuse problem but MSPs have disagreed on whether the key measure of minimum pricing would be beneficial.
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