With the Government considering alcohol tax increases for 2008, how will this impact on the UK market and beyond? Who would benefit while others lose out? Let us know your thoughts.
The wine trade has had enough tax rises over the years. A further taxation of up to 30% will not stop binge drinking. The local licensing authorites should visit outlets who are suspected of encouraging irresponsible consumption of alcohol. If they find this taking place ,then give them a warning or in the last instance revoke their licence.
Why should the majority suffer for the few?
Tim Nicholls
16 Feb 2008 08:30:22
My my maternal family were all in the Wine Trade going back into the 19th Century. Tax increases over the years have been used as a blunt instrument, knock traditional sales and don't cure the problem. Increases will unfairly clobber those who like their daily (healthy) glass of red wine far more than the under-age & binge drinkers. Sadly it may also encourage the supermarkets to bring in yet lower quality, cheap wine to try to mitigate the price hike. At £2.99 a bottle retail what tiny proportion is the price of the wine itself.
In our town centre there is a by-law which forbids the consumption of alcohol in public places. In practice the police only stop people if they are clearly under-age or creating a disturbance. It doesn't affect pubs/restaurants with outside areas. Perhaps this should become law.
Next the new Licensing Law has the teeth as described by Mike Perry but isn't being used to its full potential. Two local supermarkets has their Licences suspended and one pub but that's been it.
Thirdly. The Message. The term 'drink responsably' is awful middle-management-speak. The M word (Moderation)used in France followed by a health warning is simpler and worked - eventually. Fourthly the message has got to be got across that you can only relax and enjoy yourself if you are drunk has got to be rammed home as the new 'unfashionable'.
Drink in Moderation or you're dead is rather more effective than just sticking the price up.
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