Flawed policy

The SNP’s attempt to manipulate people through a minimum alcohol price (your report, 27 October) will backfire. First, they are removing a simple, harmless pleasure from poor people who cannot afford the higher prices.

Why should the responsible poor person be penalised to benefit irresponsible neds – many of whom will be able to afford the higher prices anyway?

Secondly, if people seeking to get off their heads cannot afford to do it using alcohol, then they will turn to drugs. This is worse for them, and for society. These proposals are well meaning but ill thought through and ultimately immoral.

Dan Dennis

Department of Continuing Education

University of Oxford

Oxford