‘Cost of booze needs to go up’

ONE thing that was missing from the Budget was measures to push up the cost of booze, according to North Tyneside MP Mary Glindon.

The Chancellor kept the cost of a pint down. But this actually benefits supermarkets more than struggling pubs, according to the Labour MP, and will lead to more death and illness caused by alcohol.

She told the House of Commons: “Cuts in duty do not benefit pubs because supermarkets continue to undercut pub prices, and big brewers retain the savings. We do not protect people or pubs by allowing supermarkets to sell alcohol more cheaply than water for vulnerable people to drink at home alone or on our streets.”

She called for laws to end the sale of cut-price alcohol, saying: “From pub landlords to health organisations, there is strong agreement that we need a minimum unit price to help to combat the sale of cheap alcohol in shops and the impact that has on our communities. The Chancellor needs to listen to those groups and cross-party advice, and rethink his strategy on alcohol to support our great local pubs and to prioritise alcohol harm reduction.” North Tyneside MP Mary Glindon