Upcoming Events :
Housing Seminar: Partnerships with the Public Sector – Avoiding the pitfalls
Thu 31 May 2012
Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London, SE1 9BB
Minimum alcohol price 'will not affect public's drinking habits'
Thu 26 Aug 2010
Efforts to stop licensed premises selling cut-price alcohol could face problems after a new poll found that tighter curbs on drinks prices would not affect the public's drinking habits.
A survey by YouGov found that three-quarters of people would not change the amount they drink even if retailers were required to sell alcohol for a minimum 50p per unit.
The study also showed that public opinion regarding minimum pricing is divided, as 47 per cent are against such a move, while 40 per cent are in favour.
However, a spokesman for the Home Office confirmed that the coalition government is willing to consider a variety of options beyond implementing a national minimum unit price.
Speaking to the Publican, he said this is because it is not clear whether this method is the best way to stop retailers selling cheap alcohol.
Authorities in places such as Greater Manchester have already outlined plans to introduce a minimum alcohol price.
However, prime minister David Cameron recently warned that such a by-law could conflict with competition laws.
Robert Botkai, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors, is currently on holiday, but anyone who wants to discuss any licensing issues can contact him next week.
