Tax tinkering won't tackle binge-drinking (Wyre Forest Liberal Democrats)

Wyre Forest Liberal Democrats <roger.shade@virginmedia.com>

Tax tinkering won't tackle binge-drinking

April 17, 2008 10:00 AM

THE figures for excessive drinking in Worcestershire (Shuttle website, March 12) are truly shocking and it is little wonder that all political parties are desperately seeking a solution.

But what a work of genius is the Conservative binge drinking plan vaunted by Wyre Forest's Tory spokesman (Shuttle, March 27).

According to Mark Garnier, binge drinkers only like alcopops and super-strength beers and ciders, so the Tories plan to tax them out of existence.

However, to avoid upsetting their generous friends in the booze business, such "low" alcohol tipples as Carling, John Smiths, Guinness, Stella Artois, Strongbow and Magners will not be affected by the tax.

Worse still, the article continues "unlike the Labour Government's plans, said Mr Garnier, the package was designed to be revenue neutral, giving tax cuts to lower alcohol content drinks." Good grief!

My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I are totally with Mark in wanting to reduce the binge drinking plague, but does he really think weening them off Bacardi Breezers and onto Magners is going to make a difference? I don't know about your readers but the fact I can't afford a good Champagne doesn't stop me enjoying a modest Chilean Sauvignon.

Let's be realistic. As long as there are cheap and easy ways to get drunk, these kids will not be choosy about how they do so.

This is not a problem that can be solved with some snappy little tax policy. In fact, with drugs now cheaper than alcohol, a policy like this could drive our kids into the hands of the dealers.

This is a cultural issue that needs participation from drinks companies, parents, retailers, schools, police, politicians and the media.

For a start, the major supermarkets could cease their introductory course in alcoholism and raise their beer prices above that of mineral water?

NEVILLE FARMER Wyre Forest Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman