Minimum pricing needed now, argues Lib Dem MP
12 November, 2009
Don Foster says blaming pubs for "Binge Britain" problems is wrong
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.
Readers' comments
Anyone have an example of where a minimum price has cut demand, on anything? I don't know the costs, but I'm pretty sure that one 'hit' of any street drug will cost a lot more than a 4-pack in a supermarket, and I don't think demand for drugs has dropped in any way amongst their 'abusers'...
Well, I suppose we should be greatful tha politicians at least get some of it right but still cannot resist jumping on the bandwaggon for solutions. Yes Pubs are wrongly blamed and "punished by legislation" for the behavioral effects of alcohol abuse. But no the solution isn't to "punish" supermarkets by introducing minimum pricing. Minimum pricing will do nothing to supermarkets except increase their profits. It won't stop shoppers buying from them just ensure that the vast majority of people who buy but don't abuse alcohol in any way whatsoever will have to pay more. Those that do abuse will find the extra money and still abuse.So the only people who gain from this are the supermarkets and the government. The initial closing of price differentials will not increase pub trade in any way, BUT as minimum price rises to combat the perceived ineffectiveness of it's introduction it will affect pubs by their having to increase their prices. This will not add to their profit because an increase in price will reduce the number of customers visiting pubs. The only loosers of a minimum price introductio will be pubs and customers who don't abuse. The exact opposite of what our politicians claim minimum pricing is designed to do. Ken Nason