Minimum prices for alcohol 'could cut need for rehab clinics'

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Home » News » Alcohol » Minimum prices for alcohol 'could cut need for rehab clinics'

by Change | 3 Feb 2009

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A charity has proposed a number of changes it believes will reduce the frequency of alcohol abuse, addiction and the number of people admitted to rehab clinics.

Imposing a minimum price on alcohol can help reduce the frequency of binge drinking and reduce the need for rehab clinics, a charity asserts.

A spokeswoman for Alcohol Concern claims the middle classes are the heaviest drinkers as they often have more disposable income, allowing them to purchase and consume more.

In addition, she says this demographic will usually purchase different forms of drink, often those which include a higher number of units, which could increase their demand for rehab clinics.

She states: "Alcohol is so affordable now, it's around 55 per cent more affordable than it was in 1980 … [it] has increased and consumption has also increased."

The representative calls on the government to implement a minimum price in order to reduce alcohol abuse.

She says cost is a key factor, as shown by the fact the credit crunch has had a strong impact on the frequency with which Brits are going out.

Among the other effects the financial downturn has had is a reduction in demand for bottles of wine at restaurants.

Recent figures released by the Office for National Statistics show one in three adults are exceeding their daily limits for regular drinking at least once in the seven preceding days.

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