Minimum pricing debate re-ignites
Minimum pricing has leapt to the top of the political agenda after the UK's top doctor urged the government to introduce the measure as an "immediate priority".
And despite Gordon Brown appearing against the idea, Chief Medical Officer, Liam Donaldson, was unfazed saying he was "very pleased" the debate had started.
In his annual report released earlier this week, Donaldson recommended a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol to help address alcohol-related health and crime problems, and potentially saving £1bn a year.
The 50p figure tallies with The Publican's Make it the Minimum campaign, which aims to end irresponsible off-trade deals and encourage people back to pubs.
Donaldson's report also raised the issue of "passive" drinking" - the wider effect of an individual's drinking on society - and recommended a change in licensing laws to reflect its impact.
Many welcomed Donaldson's call on minimum pricing, including the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Alcohol Concern, MP John Grogan and Janet Street-Porter (see box).
Grogan said there was a "potential alliance" of doctors, police, publicans and shopkeepers who would be in favour of a minimum price.
"His idea ticks a multitude of boxes," Grogan said. "As regards health, it surely cannot be right that high-strength alcohol is being sold by supermarkets as a loss leader at below cost."
The Prime Minister's hand on minimum pricing could eventually be forced. Last month Scotland unveiled plans to introduce a minimum price - and Wales and Northern are also pushing hard on the issue.
Despite this, opposition to minimum pricing last week remained strong, while doubts over its legality lingered.
Peter Marks, the Co-op's chief executive, said it would punish the majority of responsible drinkers by forcing up prices.
The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers said it is against minimum pricing, but wants a ban on below-cost selling.
Mark Hastings, communications director at the British Beer & Pub Association, raised fears that if a minimum price was introduced the health lobby would "focus" on it and push it up "year on year".
Doctor's orders
Donaldson's recommendations include:
- Introduce a minimum price of 50p per unit as an "immediate priority"
- Recognise "passive drinking" as a key issue and change licensing laws to reflect its impact
- A national consensus, prompted by government, that alcohol consumption as a whole should be reduced
