ALCOHOL CONCERN CALLS ON THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE THE LEAD ON ALCOHOL PRICES

Alcohol Concern Statement

Thursday 21st February 2008



ALCOHOL CONCERN CALLS ON THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE THE LEAD ON ALCOHOL PRICES




Responding to calls from Tesco plc for the government to take responsibility for curbing cut price alcohol, Don Shenker, Director of Policy and Services said:

"We're very encouraged by this acknowledgment from Tesco that cheap alcohol plays a role in fuelling alcohol-related harms. We accept that competition laws make pan industry price setting difficult. However, government has always had the option of increasing alcohol taxes to protect the public health. The challenge now will be in persuading other major industry players to also come to the table. At the very least, Tesco's admission makes recent calls by brewers for a freeze on alcohol duties look increasingly insupportable"

ENDS

For more information please contact Frank Soodeen at the Alcohol Concern press office on 0207 264 0514.

Notes to editors


Previous judgements handed down by the European Court of Justice make it clear that although price setting is illegal, taxation remains a legitimate means through which governments can pursue public health goals: ECJ JUDGMENT OF THE COURT (Sixth Chamber): Failure of a State to fulfil obligations - Directive 95/59/EC - Article 9 - Minimum price - Manufactured tobacco. European Court of Justice: Luxembourg, 2000

Alcohol Concern is the national agency working to reduce alcohol-related harm in society. We work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of alcohol services available to problem drinkers and their families.

Date: 21 February 2008