Cabinet revolt brings alcohol price plan to a standstill – G10 ECO discuss their opinion

CANARY WHARF, U.K. - March 13, 2013 - PRLog -- www.G10-ECO.com

A recent plan to end problem drinkers in the United Kingdom has ground to a halt after facing opposition from ministers according to reports.

The idea to raise the cost of alcohol to 45 pence per unit has been scrutinised. The idea was predicted to prevent more than 2,000 drink-related deaths over the next decade in the United Kingdom. However with so many opposed to the plan due to evidence suggesting it would have little effect on problem drinkers and more effect on responsible drinkers, the pricing plan is expected to be scrapped.

“We are all very well aware we are in a recession, and responsible drinkers that are looking to save money will buy value products including alcohol, raising the cost per unit will hit these people harder than they already have been from the recent raise in bills and general living costs” says Michael Ashaye, Managing Director of G10-ECO. Due to the recession, many choose to stay at home with friends; to save money and drink responsibly at home, to raise the price of alcohol units would affect those being sensible.  A 45 pence unit cost would mean that a can of lager could cost a minimum of around £1.56, and a bottle of wine could be no less than £4.22, and a large bottle of vodka would cost a minimum of £16.88.

“Of course there are promotional deals and extremely cheap alcohol available, this is something that should be focused on rather than cost per unit to cut down on problem drinkers as it is too easy for them to access high percentage alcohol so cheaply” says Jade Kloe of G10-ECO. This is something that discussions have led to agree with. More of a focus is to be spent on tackling underage drinking and dealing with intoxicated customers in pubs, bars and clubs, as it is thought that majority of alcoholics ‘do not worry about the pennies’, and an increase in price may not affect their drinking habits. “If more time is spent tackling underage and binge drinking from a young age in schools and colleges, teenagers will grow up knowing and most importantly understanding the damages that alcohol can cause, rather than penalising responsible drinkers now” says Michael Ashaye, managing Director of G10-ECO.

It has also been said that overall the long-term health of the nation needs to be considered. There are very few studies that show alcohol having a positive effect on the health of your body, and an increase in price may upset responsible drinkers; however the most responsible drinkers, in terms of health, would not drink at all.

Whether you enjoy a glass of wine a night, or a pint of lager once a month, it is, for obvious reasons, healthier not to drink at all. But regardless of the cost, those that enjoy a drink or two will continue to do so. The only question remaining, is do we raise the unit price of alcohol, or tackle teenagers before they touch a drop?