Jenny Willott, the Liberal Democrat MP for Cardiff Central, has today welcomed Government proposals to bring in a minimum price for alcohol, calling them a big step forward in tackling dangerous drinking habits.
Jenny has campaigned for minimum pricing since 2009 when figures showed that around 7000 people in Wales could die due to alcohol by 2019.
The Government is consulting on introducing a minimum price of 40p per unit of alcohol. This would not increase the prices people pay in pubs but would tackle low and below cost supermarket offers which encourage dangerous drinking.
Commenting Jenny said:
“I am delighted that the Coalition Government is throwing its weight behind a minimum price for alcohol. This is an idea that is long overdue and could have a real impact on alcohol related deaths in Wales and across the country.
“The plans would also support our local pubs, which encourage responsible drinking, by ensuring supermarkets can’t sell cheap, high alcohol content ciders and spirits at extremely low prices.
“If we are to reduce anti-social behaviour and tackle the current high number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths then we must end pocket money prices for alcohol at supermarkets and invest in treatment and support for those who do have difficulties with drink.”
