Government advisers have warned that the economic downturn will increase social problems including drug and alcohol misuse over the coming months, a recent Guardian article reports. Increasing levels of homelessness have already been announced and further demands on older people's residential care are also expected, whilst agencies providing services to councils will be at greater risk of folding.
Meanwhile the debate on pricing has been re-ignited following national pub chain JD Wetherspoon's new promotions offering pints of Green King IPA and bottles of San Miguel for 99p. The pub industry has fiercely defended its right to sell cheap alcohol in an environment of heavier discounting by supermarkets. A blog post on the Guardian site recently gave a coherent argument to support pubs' recent actions whilst still supporting a minimum price.
Last year the government agreed to bring in a mandatory code to improve responsible retailing and The Publican has reported further developments including the second reading for the relevant Policing and Crime Bill on the 12th January. The Publican has also recently opened a petition to support their 'make it the minimum campaign' for a 50p per unit minimum price. Alcohol Concern Chief Executive Don Shenker recently spoke out against the irresponsible retailing of alcohol that has already affected younger generations as hospital admissions and related illnesses continue to rise.
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