The coalition government plans to introduce minimum prices for the sale of alcohol is “a small step in the right direction”.

The selling of alcohol at subsidised prices by supermarkets is fueling a binge drink culture. It is also in my view a key part of the problem that is driving pubs out of business as they cannot compete with supermarkets selling alcohol at a loss. Pubs are an important part of the social fabric but alcohol generates problems for communities and individuals. As I see it watching people it is clear that often they have ‘charged up’ at home before going out to the pubs and clubs to reduce the amount they spend.

Don Foster helped draft the coalition pledge to combat cheap drink promotions and end the selling of alcohol below cost price.

Commenting, Don Foster said, “Pocket money priced alcohol in our supermarkets has been a significant cause of the growing health and anti-social problems we face in Bath and around the country. With pubs closing at a record rate, with rising admissions to hospitals with alcohol related health problems and with growing alcohol related crime and disorder problems, urgent action was needed.

He continued, “However, these proposals, which ban the sale of drinks for less than the value of duty and VAT owed on them, should only be the start. They will end the worst cases of below cost selling, but more still needs to be done.  Supermarkets and shops will still be able to sell drinks at a loss because there will be no legal obligation to cover the initial cost of buying in or producing them”

Good on you Don. Perhaps whilst you are looking for further measure you can prevent supermarkets from putting alcohol offers all round the shop and restrict the sale to one part of the store. Lets build a culture of responsible drinking so that everyone has a good night out or in as the choice takes them and which enables more of our pubs to make a living and provide a service to the comunity.