EU 10per cent beer tax.

The European Union has come under fire after reports suggested it will consider a 10% tax on all alcohol as it bids to cut binge drinking.

The EU is set to receive a report from London's Institute of Alcohol Studies, which found binge drinking is rising throughout the Continent.

However Mark Hastings of the British Beer and Pub Association has questionned the objectivity of the report.

He told the Morning Advertiser website: "The Institute of Alcohol Studies is not an independent academic body, it is the Temperance Movement! The Institute of Alcohol Studies is not an independent academic body, it is the Temperance Movement! ​​Mark Hastings, BBPA​

"So the European Commission has handed tens of thousands of pounds of our money to the Temperance Movement to write an alcohol strategy - hardly surprising they conclude what they do when their principle objective is 'to spread the principle of total abstinence from alcoholic drinks.'​

"Imagine what people would have said if the EU had given the money to the drinks industry to write the strategy. "

Hastings, added:

"If they think they can stop drinking by slapping more tax on drink they should look at Sweden. ​

"It has huge taxes and yet has one of the highest rates of liver disease and problem-drinking."

"If they are looking at where to tax alcohol more, they should look at a few other countries before us - British drinkers are already taxed higher than almost everywhere else." ​

All 25 member states would have to agree before the tax could be implemented.

The Institute of Alcohol Studies has denied the BBPA's claims saying it's research is oly aimed at protecting public health.

Spokesman Ben Baumberg told the Morning Advertiser website: We do not have a motive - ulterior or otherwise - to spread total abstinence from alcohol​Ben Baumberg, Institute of Alcohol Studies

"We do not have a motive - ulterior or otherwise - 'to spread the principle of total abstinence from alcoholic drinks'. ​

"Our sole legal aim is to protect the health of the public by promoting scientific understanding of alcohol issues and promoting effective measures to reduce problems."

Baumberg also said the 10 per cent figure was incorrect as they hadn't even released their findings to the EU yet and the figure only came from speculation.

He also responded to the BBPA's comments by saying.

"We would like to point out that the report itself has undergone a lengthy period of consultation and review, including more meetings with representatives of alcoholic drinks manufacturers than with Non Governmental Organisations and government representatives combined.​

"We are therefore aware of the industry's general viewpoint, and thank all concerned for their useful contributions.

Those who want to find out more about exactly who we are, what we do and how we are funded should check the description at www.ias.org.uk​"

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