Burning issue

Published on Sunday 27 January 2008 21:01

Should tax on alcohol go up to curb consumption?

NO

David Poley, chief executive of the Portman Group

THE reasons for our drinking problems are complex and deeply rooted in society. Despite the good intentions, the focus on price is misguided. If alcohol were more expensive, the nation overall may drink less. But, despite the headlines, the vast majority of Scots already drink socially and responsibly. The nation does not have a drink problem; it is certain individuals. And, unfortunately, they are the ones who are least likely to change their drinking behaviour if the price rises.

That's why fixing minimum prices or imposing tax hikes would penalise the responsible majority without deterring dependent and binge drinkers.

International comparisons are telling: alcohol is cheaper in southern Europe, but they suffer few of our problems. Yet, in many Scandinavian countries where it is more expensive, heavy drinking is a greater menace. This shows that it is not price that needs to be tackled; it is the culture.

Even so, habits are moving in the right direction. Evidence from the Office of National Statistics confirms the message is getting through: the number of harmful drinkers is falling.

A greater awareness of the risks of heavy drinking is driving change. The industry is investing millions in the Drinkaware Trust's sensible drinking campaigning; Scotland's first Alcohol Awareness Week last year improved knowledge of alcohol units; our member companies, the largest producers, unit label their drinks. Going further, responsible drinking messages appeared on three billion of their drinks containers and on 150 million of advertising last year. Just as it curbed drink-driving, education and campaigning is creating a healthier culture.

YES

Tom Wood, chairman of Action on Alcohol and Drugs in Edinburgh

YOU feel like a real "killjoy" arguing against cheap alcohol. It's one of the joys of life, it's legal, harmless taken in measure, and, by the way, its manufacture and sale contributes significantly to Scotland's national wealth. So far so good, but let's think it through and examine the facts more closely.

Alcoholic drinks have never been cheaper: at present, about half the price relatively that they were in 1980, and we are not talking pubs here – it's supermarkets and off-sales where these "give away prices" can be found. Add to that more money, especially among the young, plentiful supply and a culture of bingeing that seems to celebrate drunkenness, and what do you get? You get Scotland today – one of the highest levels of drinking in Europe, increasing alcohol-related health problems, violence, antisocial behaviour and a real worry about children starting to drink heavily in their early teens.

So, would raising the price of alcohol make a difference? Well, yes it would, but don't take my word for it. The World Health Organisation makes it very clear there are three main elements to reducing alcohol-related harm – regulating price and availability, while effectively co-ordinating services responsible for tackling the problem.

Let's see through the vested interests – raising the price of alcohol would reduce the amount of alcohol drunk and this, in combination with other measures, would make a real difference.

Alcohol is a special product to be treated with respect and to be sold with care. It's not like most other commodities: while it is capable of benefit, it can be the source of great harm, and in Scotland it is.