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 08 September 2008 05:58 BST

Tories unveil 'alcopop tax' plan to stop binge drinking

Friday, 07 Mar 2008 13:43
The Conservatives want a tax on alcopops to curb binge drinking
The Conservative Party has unveiled plans to tax 'alcopops' in a bid to curb binge-drinking in young people.

The tax rises will target so-called alcopops, strong ciders and other 'problem drinks' associated with binge drinking, the party said in a statement.

Alcopops are bottled, usually spirit-based drinks, with a typically sweet flavour that appeal to young people.

The extra revenue raised would be used to reduce taxes on low-strength beer and cider, the Tories added.

Wines, spirits and 90 per cent of beer and cider consumed in Britain would be unaffected by the plan.

George Osborne, the shadow chancellor, said the aim of the package was to discourage young, binge drinkers, and that "the vast majority of law abiding, responsible drinkers" would not be hit.

The announcement comes ahead of Alistair Darling's first budget next week in which the chancellor is expected to raise alcohol taxes.

But charity Alcohol Concern said a tax on alcopops would not go far enough.

Spokesperson Frank Soodeen said: "We certainly welcome the tax, it is the first time in ten years that parties have talked about raising alcohol duties."

Mr Soodeen added the debate about drinking is sometimes focussed too much on young people, while the long-term health consequences are ignored.

"We urge both parties instead to effect duty rises of ten per cent across the board."

Alcohol Concern estimates that a ten per cent overall increase would reduce adult alcohol-related mortality by up to 37 per cent and dent the ability of high-risk groups, such as the under aged, to buy as much alcohol.End of story


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