Health lobby calls for 'strong action' on price
The Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) has called for "strong action" on the price of alcohol.
Responding to yesterday's Youth Alcohol Action Plan, the AHA said it hoped more would be done on price.
"While this plan was not expected to address the price of alcohol, we hope that the forthcoming review into the relationship between alcohol price, promotion and harm will recommend strong action on price and availability, as they are the key drivers of consumption," said professor Ian Gilmore, chair of the AHA."
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said yesterday that the Government would be "prepared to take mandatory action" on pricing and promotions, depending on the findings of the Sheffield University review - due in August - probing the link between the price of alcohol sold and the harm caused.
Johnson said this would ensure any mandatory code would be evidence-based rather than a "gut reaction".
The AHA also welcomed the decision to push for voluntary schemes such as Challenge-21 and the voluntary code on promotions to be made mandatory.
"The current industry standards of best practice to prevent alcohol being sold to young people should become mandatory," said Gilmore.
Alcohol Concern chief executive Don Shenker hailed the plan as an "excellent start".
He said: "Nevertheless, changing behaviour among the young towards alcohol is a long term project, requiring contributions from parents, Government, the drinks industry, and youth providers.
"We will continue therefore to urge industry and the Government to work towards reducing the cultural impact that alcohol advertising and promotion has on British children."
