International review of price and consumption as UK interest groups lobby government on alcohol taxation

A report from the Addiction medical journal reviewing over 100 international studies has found strong and consistent evidence on the effect of price on consumption. The meta-analysis of 112 studies concludes that price is likely to be the most powerful tool in reducing alcohol misuse. Alexander C. Wagenaar, professor of epidemiology and health policy research at the University of Florida College of Medicine said:

“Results from over 100 separate studies reporting over 1000 distinct statistical estimates are remarkably consistent, and show without doubt that alcohol taxes and prices affect drinking. When prices go down, people drink more, and when prices go up, people drink less.”

The findings come at a time as the UK government, pub trade, alcohol industry and health lobbyists are still battling it out in the political open, the government recently announcing that alcohol duty was not being used as a tool to address consumption. The response came from the Prime Minister's office after the Morning Advertiser called for a U-turn on last years raise on excise duty, fearing further hikes in the forthcoming budget in March. The Scottish government however is reportedly close to bringing in a minimum price.

Meanwhile as pubs in England continue to close, The Publican has opened a petition to support their 'make it the minimum campaign' for a 50p per unit minimum price which would halt supermarket 'loss-leading'. The government will be releasing a mandatory code to stop irresponsible price promotions such as happy hours.