http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2144186/No-happy-hour-Minimum-alcohol-price-Scotland-set-50p-unit.html
Scots set to go on cross-border booze raids after Scottish government sets cheapest price of alcohol higher than England's in minimum price crackdown
By Claire Bates
The Scottish government will increase the alcohol price to 50 p per unit. This measure has to be taken due to the extreme alcohol consumption of many Scottish. The Scottish Health Secretary, Nicola Stugeon said that there is a clear relationship between the low alcohol prices and the alcohol abuse, which is shown in the increasing number of alcohol-related admissions in hospital and the crimes under influence of alcohol.
It is the second time that The Alcohol Minimum Pricing Billl is proposed in the Parliament. The first time the Labour Party was the only one that did not support the Bill. The goverment has taken previous measures to decrease the alcohol abuse such as: to forbid irresponsible promotion , discount deals and verification of the age. This time they have to do something more structural
Personal Opinion
I am not sure if this "Bill" will help, it is the same with people who smoke, they will do it anyway even if they have to pay more or ride miles for it. It is also the case in Sweden, where the alcohol is very expensive and the Swedish have become famous for their extreme alcohol consumption.
I am wondering why the Scottish drink so much? Is it only because of the "low" prices and habits, or are there different reasons like unemployment , mental issues etc. It would be better to do something more about the causes and help the people than only combat the consequences.
I agree with you that increasing the prices for alcohol will probably not help. Sometimes it encourages people even more to buy alcohol. It's like increasing the price of gasoline; did that make people leave their car at home? I think the Scots should start by educating their children about this subject at secondary schools in order to prevent excessive alcohol abuse.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenIncreasing the prices of alcohol will be a profit for the treasury more than it will help people to stop drinking alcohol.It has been proven that alcohol is a harddrug and for that reason it is very unlikely that people will stop drinking it.Drinking together with family and friends is also a social matter and young children are quite often exposed to alcohol related behaviour of adults.I believe alcohol abuse is a very harsh problem and unless the government takes serious measures and help the people by giving them the best information and support, the problem remains till the end of days.
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