Action on Addiction's Response to Conservative Party Plans to Increase Tax on High-Strength Alcoholic Beverages
06 March 2008
Lesley King-Lewis, Joint Chief-Executive of Action on Addiction says, "In a society where alcohol can be cheaper than water, where is the incentive to cut back on drinking alcohol excessively? Research has shown that many young people and dependent drinkers are more likely to binge-drink with cheap and strong alcohol. We know these drinkers are just as responsive to price change as moderate drinkers.Action on Addiction supports proposals to increase tax on high strength alcohol. Measures that encourage us to consume beverages with less alcohol are vital in reducing harm.
Excessive alcohol consumption is a massive public health issue. Over 100 medical conditions such as heart disease and impotence are associated with drinking too much.
We need to change the drinking culture in this country."