Prime Minister rejection of minimum alcohol pricing is 'hypocritical'

16th March 2009, 4:49pm

CAMRA has branded the Prime Minister's claim that he does not wish to penalise the “sensible majority of moderate drinkers” as hypocritical.

Last year the Government increased tax on beer by 18%, a move which has penalised responsible drinkers and contributed to the loss of nearly six pubs a day. 

CAMRA said it supports the introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol set at a level sufficient to prevent the major supermarkets selling alcohol at a loss and thereby encourage people to drink in the regulated and social environment of the pub.

CAMRA chief executive, Mike Benner said: "It is hypocritical of the Prime Minister to suggest he is a friend of responsible drinkers when it is his Government who hit beer drinkers with staggering 18% increase in beer duty last year. 

"If the Prime Minister genuinely wishes to avoid penalizing the majority of moderate drinkers then he must abandon plans for annual above inflation increases in the tax on beer and endorse action to prevent the major supermarkets undermining pubs by selling alcohol at a loss."

Related Articles:

• 02 Sep 2010 - Minimum alcohol price for Scotland to be set at 45p
• 08 Jan 2010 - Westminster MPs echo Scotland's backing of minimum pricing for alcohol
• 05 Nov 2009 - Minimum alcohol pricing will target cheap supermarket products
• 13 Apr 2009 - 'We will not punish those who drink responsibly'
• 18 Mar 2009 - New figures show 3.2% fall in alcohol consumption
• 17 Mar 2009 - Drinks industry leaders meet with the Chancellor

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