Public health directors demand minimum alcohol price per unit
By Neil Durham, 26 October 2009
A minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol should be introduced, according to directors of public health in the north west of England.
In a letter to The Times signed by 19 of them, they argue: ‘We believe that the time has come for effective action to stop the irresponsible sale of cut-price alcohol by the off-trade.
‘We urge the government to take decisive action by bringing forward legislation to introduce a minimum price per unit for alcohol of 50p per unit.
‘The political leadership that was shown on smoking in public places needs to be shown on alcohol too.'
The letter also mentioned research by Sheffield University cited in Scotland showing a minimum price per unit would save 3,393 lives per year, cut crime by 45,800 and save the country £1bn every year in alcohol-related costs.
Editor's blog: Should the government ban 24-hour drinking (again)?
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