Alcohol pricing bill goes through

ABILL to introduce minimum pricing for alcoholic drinks in Wales has passed its latest stage, despite a call from the leader of the Ukip group for the Welsh Government to put it on hold.

Caroline Jones told AMs: “There is no evidence that it will do anything other than disproportionately impact on the poorest in society.

“Making alcohol more expensive will not stop people drinking to excess, and it is unfair to responsible drinkers. It ignores the large body of evidence that shows that there are some health benefits from responsible alcohol consumption.

“It ignores the growing evidence that the largest group of binge drinkers are middle-aged high-earners.

“These people will not be deterred by modest price rises, unless the true intention of the Welsh Government is to introduce a much higher, more punitive, minimum price.

“This would have a devastating impact on responsible drinkers on low wages. Why should my constituents pay more because of a few irresponsible drinkers?”

Plaid Cymru’s health spokesman, Rhun ap Iorwerth, responded: “You said that you fear that this will hit a particular group disproportionately. You know what? You’re right. This bill, this piece of legislation, will hit disproportionately the people who drink too much very strong high-volume alcohol and who are harming their health in the process.

“And it will affect disproportionately the chances that young people will start drinking high-volume alcohol drinks in the same way that high cigarette prices are part of the weaponry in public health to try to tackle smoking among young people. We are looking to create as much armoury as we can when it comes to improving the health of our nation, and this is one element.”

Cardiff Central Labour AM Jenny Rathbone spoke against a proposal to delay the bill until the pub industry had been consulted. She said: “These artificially low prices make it much easier for children to club together their pocket money and get an adult to buy alcohol.”

The amendment to consult the pub industry was defeated.