Gov't encourages low-strength drinks to tackle binge drinking

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, health minister Anne Milton said that the Government is looking to “remove a significant number of units” in spirits, wines and beers and there is “no one silver bullet” to tackle binge drinking.

Milton was speaking ahead of the Government’s alcohol strategy, due to be published within the next few weeks, and said that she wanted to “re-emphasise that the drinks industry does not dictate policy”.

She also quoted the 1.1m hospital admissions a year as basis for her argument.

“We are also working with industry and non-governmental organisations to remove a significant number of units of alcohol from the UK market through changes in how alcohol is produced and sold,” said Milton.

On minimum pricing, she said that it will continue to be an issue, and the Government is “committed to banning the sale of alcohol below cost”. Milton added: “The fact is that shops sell alcohol at a loss to get customers through the door, and that can encourage binge drinking.”

However, Milton did praise the work of pubs and local authorities in some areas, including her constituency Guilford. “Unfortunately, preloading means that the licensed trade gets an unfair reputation at times,” she said. “People often go into pubs, clubs and bars having consumed considerable amounts of alcohol, and the licensed trade is left to deal with the problem.

“Areas such as mine are dealing well with the issue, and people have worked well with the council. As a result, we are seeing a difference on the streets; in fact, if members walk around some of our towns where progress has been made, the difference is noticeable.”