More talk this weekend about fixing the price of alcohol.
As I've said in the past, I hate the concept of tariffs on principle. In addition, increasing the cost will not have the effect that we desire - namely people getting drunk less.
This is because it's not that fact that people get drunk which is the problem, it's the way they act when they're drunk. I must admit that I've had a drink or eight before and I've never once got into a fight or vomited in the street.
The code of the Beckfords says that a real man should be never be visibly drunk.
So whilst it's not all about drinking less, I do admit that a change in attitude will result in less drinking. However it's worth remembering that should we be successful in this we will have an enormous impact on the nighttime economy, resulting in businesses closing and staff losing their jobs.
Therefore, a tariff on booze may be the only way in the short term to soften the blow for this section of the economy whilst the change in culture occurs.
Unfortunately the argument isn't this mature yet. Most of the press, and many MP's, still see this as a way to lead the change - rather than to mitigate the economic effects of it.
Monday 16 March 2009
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3 comments:
The laissez-faire regulation of alcohol sale has not worked and I do therefore think a more interventionist approach is needed. The aim should be to protect pubs (which are a social good) at the expense of the 'Boozer' type chains which add nothing to society except profit for the owners.
That said, the concentration on price alone is depressingly unimaginative. I am amazed that more is not done on restricting the number of outlets, advertising and promotion. We need to grow up and admit this is an area that needs more regulation.
Who issued the licences to these places: Our very own council may times against the wishes of the people and residents. In Macc therefore the council are responsible for the cheap booze fuelled behaviour. The women (I use that description loosely, certaibnly not ladies) are some of the worst offenders.
Minimum price imposition is illegal under EU law.
It is more likely that they are softening up public opinion for a massive tax hike on booze.
There is strong evidence that high cost does not affect consumption rates.
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