Consultation: Alcohol strategy consultation

What is it all about? The government wants to tackle alcohol-fuelled crime and antisocial behaviour among young people and adults, while reducing the associated harm to health that drinking can cause. Ministers published an alcohol strategy in March 2012. The consultation seeks views on the strategy’s five key areas. These include the introduction of minimum alcohol pricing, a ban on multi-buy promotions in shops and off-licences, a review of mandatory alcohol licensing conditions, and plans to make health a new consideration when licensing decisions are taken.

What are the main points? The most contentious element of the strategy is the introduction of minimum unit pricing for alcoholic drinks. The government is proposing a minimum price of 45p per unit, which it estimates would lead to a reduction in overall alcohol consumption of 3.3 per cent. The government wants views on whether the move would lead to a significant reduction in harm, and any factors that should be considered when setting the minimum price.

The government is also reviewing existing mandatory licensing conditions and wants to know whether they prevent harm to children as well as preventing crime, and promoting public safety. The mandatory conditions include a ban on irresponsible promotions, a requirement to provide free tap water on request to customers, and having an age-verification policy to prevent the sale of alcohol to under-18s. The government also wants views on the fact that only one of these conditions – having an age-verification policy – applies to off licenses and supermarkets.

Who can have a say? Anybody who will be affected by the measures, including those who live close to licensed premises and people who own or work in pubs, clubs, supermarkets and shops. In addition, the government is keen to hear from criminal justice agencies, the police, local health bodies, licensing authorities and trade associations representing those who produce and sell alcohol.

When does it close? The consultation closes on 6 February.

What happens next? A response will be published outlining the government’s final policy intentions. No date has been set.

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