The chief executives of 12 pub chains, nightclub groups and brewers have written a letter to the Prime Minister, published in today’s Daily Telegraph, urging David Cameron to stick to his plans to introduce a minimum alcohol price.
The group, which includes Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand, Luminar chief executive Peter Marks, Stephen Glancey, group chief executive of C&C Group, and Mike Benner, chief executive of CAMRA, said the proposed measure would “save lives and protect great British pubs”.
Marks told the newspaper: “What we are finding more and more is that when people arrive at our venues, there are too many who arrive having had too much to drink, having drunk spirits and wine at home before they go out. We will people away if they are worse for wear - but then we are left with people causing trouble in high streets and town centres all over the country.”
Last month it was strongly rumoured that David Cameron had bowed to pressure from the Treasury and abandoned his plans for a 45p per unit minimum price
The Treasury has opposed the plans, on the basis that they will reduce tax revenues, while several ministers have argued that the plans would penalise the majority of drinkers who consume in moderation.
The letter, which is entitled The Price of Drink, says: “We urge the Government to stick to its plans to introduce a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol, to address the costs to society of irresponsible alcohol sale and consumption, and to encourage drinkers back into pubs and clubs.
“The important role of pubs in communities across the country is often under threat from the easy availability of excessively cheap packaged alcohol.
“The Government has public support. In a recent YouGov survey the majority said the Government was right to reduce the amount of cheap alcohol sold in shops.
““Yet at the same time, the Government’s plans are being undermined by some who seek to distort the public’s understanding of how MUP would work. For example, 46% wrongly believe MUP would increase the price of alcohol in pubs.
“MUP will not solve all alcohol-related ills, but it will encourage responsible drinking.
“The recent move to scrap the beer duty escalator and cut duty by 1p per pint is also welcome, in discouraging consumption of higher-alcohol products - drunk mainly at home - such as spirits, wine and strong ciders and beers.
“By introducing MUP, the Prime Minister has a great opportunity to save lives, to save money and to protect British pubs.”
