Minimum pricing is welcomed

I WRITE to congratulate t the National Assembly for Wales on passing the Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Bill on June 19.

The introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol in Wales is a significant step towards helping people around the country who struggle with alcohol misuse.

Every day in Salvation Army churches and centres we witness first-hand the damage caused by alcohol dependency to society.

Alcohol misuse can have a devastating effect on our sense of self-worth and physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. It can damage our ability to form and maintain relationships, to hold down a job, and can often lead to financial hardship.

Since the 19th century, the Salvation Army has worked with women and men with problematic substance abuse. Our support services for people who misuse alcohol include preparation, detoxification and aftercare, along with psycho-social support, education and training.

We are a long-term supporter of the Welsh Government’s attempts to tackle the devastating effects of alcohol misuse and have given evidence to Health and Sports Committee about the need for a minimum unit price for alcohol.

The Salvation Army has also developed an addictions strategy which sets out our commitment to continue to bolster the Welsh Government in its delivery of extensive social programmes helping individuals, families and communities to make positive choices about the role of alcohol in their lives.