Minimum alcohol pricing ‘could improve nation’s health’ (UK Report)
Independent 3 December 2016
Family First Comment: The study pointed to evidence which shows that “setting a minimum price for alcohol can reduce alcohol-related harm while saving healthcare costs.”
A new report has asserted the health benefits of introducing minimum pricing for alcohol as the Government continues to review the measure.
The Public Health England study found policies including setting minimum pricing and tackling how alcohol is marketed by drinks firms could improve the nation’s health.
There are one million hospital admissions relating to alcohol each year, it said, and half of these occur in the lowest three socio-economic groups.
Despite a recent drop in consumption, people in the UK drink more than in the 1980s and alcohol is now more affordable than ever.
The study pointed to evidence which shows that “setting a minimum price for alcohol can reduce alcohol-related harm while saving healthcare costs.”
In 2012, the Scottish Parliament passed legislation to introduce a 50p per unit minimum price for alcohol.
This was challenged by the Scotch Whisky Association and is the subject of an ongoing legal case.
READ MORE: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/alcohol-minimum-price-public-health-england-drinking-health-government-a7453436.html
