Whose cider you on?

We have highlighted concerns about white cider before in connection with its impact on homeless people.  At our seminar, Housing Continuing Drinkers on Friday, the issue came up again when St Mungo's services users talked about trying to prevent the off-license next to their hostel from sellling the stuff, saying "it kills people" and is highly addictive. 

Who, apart from alcohol dependent drinkers, buys white cider?  Impoverished students perhaps.  Should it be banned, or is there a legitimate place in the market for it?  Is white cider worse than (stronger) super-strength lagers; if so why?

An article in Health Service Journal on health and homlessness earlier this month quoted community nurse and alcohol worker Jackie Conarty:

"It's 7.5% alcohol and it's never seen an apple in its life. You can buy a two litre flagon for under £2 and that would knock most people out.  It should be banned.  Strong white cider is cheap because it is taxed at a much lower rate than other alcoholic drinks.

The drinks industry cannot justify creating a drink whose sole market is addicts. We did liver toxicity tests on people who drank white ciders and people who drank beers like Tennents Super, which is strong, but is basically malt, water and hops. White ciders are just chemicals. The liver functions were worse in those who drank white ciders."

Anecdotally people often say to us that white cider kills people and that it rots the stomach but where is the evidence?  We would like more information; please send us what you know so we can put the facts to policy makers and the manufacturers of white cider.

Comments

[Bob]

Checkout Trampjuice website for white cider reviews.
Who drinks white cider - kids! It's pocket money alcohol. The earlier kids start to drink and the stronger the drink, the greater likelihood of alcohol problems. The industry should be held to account on this one.

[Eleanor Levy]

according to London's regional statement of priorities, sales of extra strong drinks to street drinkers should be restricted by use of license conditions. Given the strong emphasis on criminal justice measures, I hope this means conditions on the licensed trade!

[james morris]

I think it will take some strong central focus to get all borough's licensing units to actively impose such measures. This might require some further political pressure or support.

[shah]

I don't about rotting the stomach,but i have noticed many people that are hooked on white ace are having difficulty in walking.Must be effecting the blood circulation.

[shaun]

I totaly agree about white cider affecting the blood circulation.I have almost finished my detox off white cider i was drinking 9,lts a day for the past month and i could'nt walk my feet swelled so bad and also other parts of my body this product needs to be taken off the shelve's in order to save lives.