Government plans minimum alcohol pricing

Thu 14 Jan 2010

The government has revealed that it could introduce minimum alcohol prices after the general election.

According to health secretary Andy Burnham, the starting cost of each unit of alcohol could be raised to between 40p and 50p.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Mr Burnham said the issue of binge drinking is causing lots of concern among the public and needs to be addressed.

He stated that research has proved the price of alcohol is directly linked with the amount that people consume, which means raising the price could lead to less excessive drinking.

However, Mr Burnham added that any changes to the law regarding alcohol would have to balance the rights of excessive drinkers with those who drink responsibly.

The health secretary said he does not want to punish the majority of sensible people who do not drink too much.

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party has said it will introduce a clearer system of alcohol labelling if it wins the next general election.

This, it stated, would allow people to compare the amount of alcohol they drink to what others are taking in more easily.

Robert Botkai, partner at Winckworth Sherwood solicitors, said: "The vast majority of people buy alcohol and consume it sensibly.

"This will be a case of the majority being punished in the pocket due to the irresponsible behavior of a minority.

"It will be a tax on all those who buy alcohol."