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Pub industry reacts to minimum alcohol price rumours
Tue 03 Jan 2012
Putting minimum alcohol prices in place in England would be counterproductive, pub industry officials have warned.
The Daily Telegraph recently quoted an unnamed Whitehall source as saying that prime minister David Cameron is "keen" on the idea of putting limits on how cheaply alcohol can be sold.
However, Tim Martin of pub chain JD Wetherspoon has warned that such a move will not be well received, telling The Drinks Business it will be seen as an "increase in tax for pubs" that could trigger a revolt.
Meanwhile, brewing firm SABMiller argued that putting minimum prices in place would negatively affect the "vast majority who drink responsibly and in moderation".
Kristin Wolfe, head of alcohol policy at the company, stated that implementing this policy would be "ineffective, unfair and illegal".
Drinks manufacturer Diageo, which is behind brands such as Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff, added that there is no "credible evidence" that suggests introducing minimum prices would reduce alcohol abuse.
This comes after Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish health secretary, told MSPs it is "almost certain" that the recently published Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) Bill will face a legal challenge at some point.
For further information on any of the points raised in this article please contact Robert Botkai in our Licensing Department.
