Minimum price for alcohol only masked the embedded problems with society.
Whilst at university, I am more than certain that David Cameron consumed more than five pints in one night. This of course, is now deemed to be ‘binge-drinking’.
Certainly the government should do everything it possibly can to solve many of the problems that surround the use of alcohol, such as violence. But taking into account legal teenagers and young adults, nothing plausible can stop the likes of university students drinking the level of units now deemed dangerous by the Conservative party leader.
The aim of tackling drunk and disorderly behaviour and wholly the cost to the NHS due to the UK’s drinking culture is a good thing. Alcohol abuse in particular costs the taxpayer around £120 a year, a needless drain of resources.
The over-indulgence of alcohol and the destructive nature of alcohol dependency are key aims in order to lower the cost to the taxpayer and of course the overall health of those involved with alcoholism.
A focus on stopping those adamant on drinking by slightly increasing drink prices behind the bar as well as the counter will only end up with failure. A minimum price per unit will not remove the drinking culture, and if the government realises this they need to aim the embedded problems in society. A price change may not instantly affect the demand for alcohol straight away, as those in the age region of 18-25 are more than willing to pay for drinks, especially when at a bar or club that prices their drinks ridiculously high anyway.
Factors such as an individuals ability to consume a variety of units of alcohol also affects their willingness to buy drinks. Those who have already had a few to drink may be less wary of the price of their fourth or fifth drink.
The main factor revolved around the efforts to reduce binge drinking is the 40p minimum price per unit. Mainly to stop the “pre-loading” done before people do go out to buy alcohol at a bar or club. This “pre-loading” idea was put forward by Theresa May, the Home Secretary.
I believe that the raise in alcohol prices when buying from a supermarket will still not affect the demand. For those in a student mind frame, many will believe that drinking before will be a lot cheaper than buying alcohol at various overpriced bars and clubs, as well as the taxi fare included in getting to different places.
For students, the concerns lay around the costs rather than the health risks. The government do however have the health of those involved at the front of their mind, which I do admire. The health risks that run alongside the overuse of alcohol are too dangerous, with a projected 900 less deaths with the minimum 40p price per unit, along with 50,000 fewer crimes related to alcohol.
With irresponsible drinking believed to cost the UK £21bn a year and being the foot at almost one million alcohol related violent crimes the price increase is for the better. Though I do believe that the government could change the ways in which they target the over usage of alcohol, the gradual consequences from a slight increase will lead to a more productive Britain.
The money saved through the proposal can be used to improve other sectors of the government, aiding the whole population. In the first year alone, more than £80 million in health and crime costs would be saved in the first year, rising to £140 million after ten years.
David Cameron insisted that “...This will not hurt pubs. A pint is two units. If the minimum price is 40p per unit, it won’t affect the price of a pint”. Although other vodka based drinks shall rise.
With the government aiming to raise the price of alcohol, and the companies involved in the production of alcohol following the plans with an interest in weaker drinks becoming more popular, I back the motives behind the proposal. The image of Britain has been tainted in the past due to the overuse of alcohol, so the proposal is key in moulding a new generation of a health wary population.
For though of you who aim to exploit and stab at the proposal but forward, a governmental view should not be taken. With the health of the UK at the forefront of the Conservative party’s mind, it shouldn’t matter who supports who, I am more than certain that if another opposition party where in the same situation, a similar stance would be taken.
