One of the pub sector’s leading trade groups has criticised the British Medical Association’s latest report on alcohol misuse in the UK.
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) described the main claims made in the report, which was published today, as without substance and pointed out that contrary to their allegations, alcohol consumption had actually fallen.
Rob Hayward, the group’s chief executive, said: “The evidence offered by the BMA for many of their assertions is both flawed and flimsy. Contrary to what they say, since the introduction of the Licensing Act two years ago, alcohol consumption has fallen.”
He also said that raising taxes on alcohol would not provide the solution to drinking problems.
He said: “High taxes are not the answer. The fact is we already have some of the highest taxes and prices in Europe. Yet our alcohol problems and those of all the high tax and high price countries are significantly greater than the low tax and low price countries of Europe.
“Our drinking culture and behaviours have a long history and are deeply embedded – they won’t be changed by flicking a tax switch.”
The BMA’s 90-page report entitled “Alcohol Misuse: Tackling the UK epidemic” included a list of recommendations to deal with binge drinking, including introducing alcohol tax rises that are proportionate to the alcohol content of a beverage.
It called for a reduction in licensing hours for the on and off-trade, regulations for irresponsible promotions and a drop in the drink-driving limit to 50mg per 100ml.
The medical organisation has also hit out at the government for working too closely with the alcohol industry and said that legislation should replace voluntary codes of practice.
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA’s head of science and ethics, told reporters at a press conference today: “Recent governments have worked too closely with the alcohol industry and have pursued policies of deregulation and liberalisation regarding alcohol control.”
