UK-wide minimum alcohol price would save lives and ease pressure on NHS (Excerpt)
The British government must follow Wales and Scotland in tackling the scourge of ultra-cheap alcohol, say alcohol campaigners, health experts and politicians
Source: The Guardian
Letters
25 October 2017
We unequivocally endorse the Welsh government’s adoption of a minimum unit price for alcohol (Wales reveals plan for minimum alcohol price, 23 October).
Minimum unit pricing is a highly effective tool to reduce the number of deaths related to alcohol, crime and workplace absence. The Welsh government continues to demonstrate its firm commitment to tackle the problem of cheap alcohol and the devastating effect this has on our communities, especially its most vulnerable members.
This decisive action will not impact prices in pubs or bars but target pocket-money-priced alcohol. It is simply unacceptable that three litres of white cider, containing the equivalent alcohol of 22 shots of vodka, can be bought for just £3.49.
With alcohol misuse costing £21bn-£52bn per year, the UK government must now follow Wales and Scotland by implementing a policy that will save lives, relieve pressure on our NHS and fulfil its commitment to even out life chances.