Hooray at last for David Cameron's enthusiasm for a minimum price for alcohol. For years now young people have tasted their first pint as a gassy nasty insipid lager poured out of a can in one of their mates' houses when the parents were away. All bought at supermarkets who sold - and still sell - booze as a loss leader, sometimes for less than the production costs, though you often wouldn't think so if you drink the stuff.
A minimum price will hit the stupid strength 'knockout' bottles drunk by people who just want to get drunk. It will also reduce the difference in price between drinking in convivial company with friends and casual acquaintances in a pub - and sitting in swigging from a can in front of the telly. 40p is too low. I would set it at 60p. Nothing of any quality will be affected. A pint in a pub is already over £3.00 in most of the country and a minimum price would only make it illegal to feel below £1.20 (or 80p at Cameron's suggested price).
The only thing to watch for would be pubs or brewers trying to pretend a minimum price was an excuse for a general price him. And they wouldn't do that, would they? (?). Bring it on, Dave, and get people out of the alleyways and supermarket aisles and back in their local.
No comments:
Post a Comment