Welsh ministers push government for minimum pricing
Welsh Assembly ministers have stepped up the pressure on the UK government to bring in minimum pricing by writing to cabinet members arguing the evidence for action is "overwhelming", The Publican can reveal.
Welsh health minister Edwina Hart and social justice minister Dr Brian Gibbons have written to the Health, Culture and Home Secretaries in Westminster, following a meeting with them that also involved politicians from Northern Ireland and Scotland.
A spokesman for the Welsh Assembly said it was "frustrated" and "disappointed" the UK government was not prepared to take action on "price, licensing and advertising" given the evidence available.
More worringly for the trade, Welsh ministers also want to see the Licensing Act amended to include a public health objective - and the government to give "serious consideration" to a total ban on alcohol advertising.
Assembly Ministers also want all alcohol packaging to carry sensible drinking guidelines, as well information about alcohol content and calorific value.
The spokesman added: "We believe that the main levers to make the most significant change remain with the UK government through the power to legislate on price, licensing and advertising.
"Whilst we acknowledge the provisions of a mandatory code of conduct for alcohol retailers, Welsh Ministers are disappointed that key issues on price and advertising have not been addressed, nor have there been amendments to the Licensing Act to include a public health objective."
The Welsh Assembly has also highlighted a report by think tank RAND Europe report, which found a link between affordability and consumption of alcohol, and that changes in pricing policy could lead to reductions in alcohol-related harm.
"In relation to price, we believe that the evidence for the introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol is overwhelming," the spokesman said.
"It is clear the evidence has convinced the Scottish government that now is the time to act," the spokesman said. "We know that the UK Chief Medical Officer shares this view."
He said that alcohol-related chronic disease and ill-health is estimated at costing the health service between £70m - £85m each year in Wales.
"These stark figures are in addition to the social costs on individuals, families and communities of alcohol misuse," he said.
He concluded: "Given this evidence, we are therefore frustrated and disappointed that the UK government is not prepared to legislate further in relation to price, licensing and advertising as part of our efforts to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol on individuals and communities."
The Scottish government is hoping to bring in a minimum price on alcohol next year, but is facing stiff political and legal opposition to its plans.
The Publican's Make it the Minimum campaign is calling for a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol to bring an end to irresponsible off-trade deals. For more information visit Make it the Minimum and Sign our minimum pricing petition
