‘Ban booze for benefits claimants’ says Tory MP

By THEO USHERWOOD
Published on 19/12/2012 00:00

Benefits claimants should be banned from spending their state handouts on cigarettes and booze, a Tory MP has said.

Alec Shelbrooke told the Commons those receiving payments should be given a chip and pin welfare card.

The card would not work if they tried to use it buy alcohol and cigarettes, he said.

Mr Shelbrooke said the plan would end the “damaging perception” that those who claimed benefits were scroungers.

“This would alter the spending habits of a minority, who prefer to take advantage of the system, getting something for nothing,” he added.