Trade bodies trash MPs' alcohol report
Trade groups and drinks producers have hit out at the controversial MPs' report on alcohol, arguing a "blanket" policy such as minimum pricing would punish the responsible majority.
The health committee report renews calls for a minimum price on alcohol, saying that a 50p minimum would help save more than 3,000 lives.
But the British Beer & Pub Association has highlighted that consumption has been falling for the last five years.
On this basis, it says, the UK should be seeing a reduction in health problems caused by alcohol, but this is not the case.
Brigid Simmonds, the BBPA's chief executive, said: "Many of these policy proposals are based on the premise that the Holy Grail in tackling alcohol harm is to pursue policies designed to reduce the amount everyone drinks, which leads to direct and quantifiable health dividends.
"Were that true, we would already be seeing significant falls in alcohol related harms in the UK."
The Wine and Spirit Trade Association said it was not surprised by the report.
Chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: "This select committee report is just part of the concerted campaign by elements of the health lobby for a range of policies which will punish millions of hard-working people while doing nothing to tackle the problem few."
Brewer SABMiller also questioned the idea that minimum pricing would address alcohol-related problems.
A spokesman said minimum pricing would hit "the vast majority of responsible, law abiding people who drink moderately whilst it would be ineffective in addressing the minority of excessive drinkers".
He added: "A more practical solution involves the enforcement of the relevant laws already in place to curb misuse and prevent the sale of alcoholic products to minors, whilst offering education and where necessary treatment for harmful drinkers."
Diageo also questioned the need for government intervention on price.
Simon Litherland, Diageo GB's managing director, said: "We recognise that alcohol misuse is a matter of serious concern for us all, but we are extremely disappointed by the committee's divisive approach.
"This report represents yet another attempt by aggressive sections of the health lobby to hijack alcohol policy-making."
