Commenting on the publication today of the
Government’s Alcohol Strategy for England and Wales, which
proposes the introduction of a 40 pence per unit minimum price for
alcohol, Dr Peter Rice, an alcohol addictions specialist and Chair
of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said: "We are
delighted the government is proposing a minimum unit price for
alcohol in England and Wales, along similar lines to proposals in
Scotland and Northern Ireland. Much attention will be focussed on
the initial minimum price, but this is a long term policy and a
monitoring mechanism built on good data and research will be
essential to adjust to a changing market."
Dr Owen-Bowden-Jones, Chair of the Royal
College of Psychiatrists' Faculty of Addictions, said: "Minimum
pricing is likely to lead to a reduction in the cost of alcohol
related harm to health, social care, justice and other sectors and
this will be of benefit to the whole community. But minimum pricing
is not enough on its own to win our society’s battle with booze. We
also need greater investment in alcohol services for people with
alcohol-related problems."
The College looks forward to responding
formally to the strategy, which includes proposals around:
- banning the sale of multi-buy discount deals;
- zero tolerance of drunken behaviour in A&E
departments;
- a late night levy to get pubs and clubs helping to pay for
policing; and
- improved powers to stop serving alcohol to drunks.
For further information, please
contact:
Liz Leicester
or Deborah Hart in the Communications
Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127