Minimum pricing needed now, argues Lib Dem MP

Blaming pubs for the problems of "Binge Britain" is often wrong and minimum pricing is now the best way to tackle "pocket money" off-trade prices, according to a senior Liberal Democrat.

Don Foster, Lib Dem shadow culture secretary, slammed the supermarkets' policy on alcohol and pledged his support for pubs, during the Business In Sport and Leisure conference today in London.

"There is no doubt that Booze Britain is causing real problems… but far too often the problems are laid at the door of hard pushed pub landlords and club owners," he said.

Foster said he recognised that "ridiculous" increases in alcohol duty and a minimising of live music opportunities were affecting pubs.

And he pointed out there was "very significant pressure from the pocket-money prices of alcohol in the supermarkets".

He concluded on the issue of alcohol by saying: "I truly believe the time has now come to be looking at a scheme for minimum pricing."

Foster was later asked by a conference delegate if he would consider changing party, as he appeared passionate and knowledgeable about the leisure and sport industry.

But Foster ruled out the idea and said people should vote Lib Dem at the next election if they want him in charge.

Earlier at the conference, held at Lord's cricket ground the Tories Shadow Culture secretary, Jeremy Hunt, also showed his backing for pubs. He said pubs were "part of the solution, not part of the problem" around alcohol.