Westminster MPs echo Scotland's backing of minimum pricing for alcohol

8th January 2010, 11:36am

A group of Westminster MPs has followed the Scottish Government's lead and backed minimum pricing as a key weapon to tackle alcohol misuse.

The House of Commons' Health Select Committee's report on alcohol follows an investigation which featured evidence sessions from contributors ranging from health experts to representatives from the alcohol industry and supermarkets.

Their recommendations call on the UK Government to introduce minimum pricing and new licensing rules modelled on ones already introduced in Scotland.

The Committee expressed 'concern' that UK Government policy was 'much closer to, and too influenced by, the drinks industry and the supermarkets than those of expert health professionals'.

And the report rejects allegations by the alcohol industry and retailers that minimum pricing would harm moderate drinkers as 'not a serious argument' and dismisses claims that consumption levels are not affected by price as 'economic illiteracy'.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "The critics have claimed that minimum pricing punishes moderate drinkers; that it won't work; and that it's illegal. These claims just don't stack up - and the Select Committee has comprehensively rubbished them.

"Minimum pricing won't raise the price of all drinks - it targets the dirt-cheap supermarket ciders, lagers and low-grade spirits favoured by problem drinkers. By contrast, the responsibly priced products favoured by the majority will be almost completely untouched."

Sturgeon added that minimum pricing is supported by a coalition of organisations including the British Medical Association and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.

WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles appeared concerned by the Select Committee's findings: "There are no surprises here. This Select Committee report is just part of the concerted campaign by elements of the health lobby for a range of policies which will punish millions of hard-working people while doing nothing to tackle the problem few.

"The truth is that a minimum price of 50p or tax rises would force prices up for responsible consumers while proposed advertising restrictions amount to an effective ban which would put jobs at risk in the media and advertising industries.

"What's needed is tough action against those who misuse alcohol with help for those who have a genuine health problem and mandatory school education about alcohol so that people understand the risks.

"Let's focus our efforts on policies which make a difference rather than pursue a mantra of price rises and bans which will not address the root causes of alcohol misuse."

Related Articles:

• 26 Nov 2009 - WSTA condemns Scottish government over minimum alcohol pricing plans
• 05 Nov 2009 - Minimum alcohol pricing will target cheap supermarket products
• 16 Mar 2009 - Prime Minister rejection of minimum alcohol pricing is 'hypocritical'
• 16 Mar 2009 - Minimum alcohol price plans to be unveiled

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