16/03/2009
The Portman Group has today urged the Government to concentrate on changing the behaviour of harmful drinkers rather than punish everyone by setting a minimum price for alcohol.
Responding to the Chief Medical Officer's call for a minimum unit price for alcohol, David Poley, Portman Group Chief Executive, said:
"This would hit the pockets of hard-working families who are already struggling to make ends meet, and it would not deter binge drinkers or those addicted to alcohol. Rather than punishing everyone we should focus on the irresponsible minority. Peer pressure and role modelling are far more influential than the price of alcohol. Sustained education and proper enforcement of the alcohol laws are the most powerful levers of social change."
"This would hit the pockets of hard-working families who are already struggling to make ends meet, and it would not deter binge drinkers or those addicted to alcohol. Rather than punishing everyone we should focus on the irresponsible minority. Peer pressure and role modelling are far more influential than the price of alcohol. Sustained education and proper enforcement of the alcohol laws are the most powerful levers of social change."
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