Plan for minimum alcohol price causes a stir

Suspected plans to have minimum alcohol pricing introduced to parts of the UK may be dropped

15:38 13 March 2013

The supposed plan of having a minimum alcohol price of 45pence for England and Wales may not go through according to recent reports. This apparent U-turn comes following a stir among ministers with regards to the idea.

 

Apparently some politicians have called for there to be a rethink if there was to be a reform on alcohol pricing.

 

Reportedly the stir involves Home Secretary Theresa May among other cabinet members. Mrs. May, along with certain ministers, objects to a minimum alcohol price proposal, saying that it would have an effect on the general public at a time when they are already feeling strained with regards to living costs.

 

This may not have gone too well with fellow Tory members who may have been pushing for a 45pence minimum price on alcohol to come into effect.

 

One reason as to why there may be calls for a reform when it comes to alcohol could be down to Britain’s drinking culture. The notion of bringing in a minimum price per unit is seen by some as a way of addressing alcohol-related problems.

 

This relates to binge-drinking, health issues as well as alcohol-related crimes.

 

Some hold the view that it would be good to have minimum pricing on stronger alcoholic drinks, such as certain ciders, lagers and spirits, including some vodka drinks.

 

However, others may think that this could also impact individuals negatively. This relates to those people who do not drink much on a weekly basis as they would suffer when buying alcohol, as well as those individuals who drink responsibly.