Trade battles AHA alcohol tax plan
The trade is fighting back at attempts by a new health lobby group to push for a 10% hike in alcohol tax.
The Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA), officially launched on Tuesday, lists its aims as:
l Increasing alcohol tax
l A ban on alcohol advertising before 9pm and in cinemas, apart from 18-rated films
l Promotional material to carry health information
l Funding for alcohol treatment and prevention plans
l The drink-driving limit to be reduced to 0.5g/l and near-zero for new drivers.
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has penned an open letter to AHA chairman Ian Gilmore, signed by four other trade groups, saying: "The measures you are seeking would increase the burden on taxpayers, further restrict personal freedoms, limit consumer choice and have little or no impact on alcohol misuse.
"In fact, in some areas, it may make the situation
worse by encouraging an illicit market in alcohol."
Trade groups want to quiz the AHA on the link between tax and alcohol consumption, why UK consumption is falling despite drinks ad campaigns and what doctors are doing to promote moderate drinking.
The Portman Group also questioned the AHA's proposals. Chief executive David Poley said: "International comparisons prove that higher prices would not deter binge drinkers or people addicted to alcohol.
"A watershed ban [on drinks ads] would take no account of teenagers watching television after 9pm."
A separate report from the Nuffield Council on biometrics, released this week, also called for alcohol tax to be raised and pub opening hours to be restricted.
action against tax hike
The Morning Advertiser believes that a hike in alcohol tax would be disastrous for pubs - and is urging readers to register their opposition to the plans. A petition has been set up on the Prime Minister's website calling for the Chancellor to resist moves to raise tax.
The MA has also formed a group on Facebook called "Chancellor - don't increase alcohol tax!"
For details on how to get involved, visit www.morningadvertiser.co.uk.
