When I look back at how members of my family died, grandparents, Uncles and Aunties I’m ashamed to admit that I would say nearly all of them had some kind of alcohol related factor. Some members of my family were alcoholics, some still are. Growing up I always said I would never touch a drop, of course that changed yet seeing the hardship of what it did to members of my family I know the difference between the words excess and moderation. Like anyone I love a beer or two of a Friday or sharing a glass of wine with my girlfriend over a meal but I know when to stop.
In this age of financial hardship people want to find an escape, they want to have a release and most will turn to drink to relax and by god they have a right to do so! After slaving away in an office or factory or whatever it is you do having a beer or wine is a great way to unwind.
I am the first to champion any government that can tackle the out of control drinking levels that affect society today, I also applaud any steps taken to combat underage drinking but the plans unveiled today by the UK government really is insanity.
The government’s top medical adviser has drawn up plans for a minimum price for alcohol which would double the cost of some drinks in England.
Under the proposal from Sir Liam Donaldson, no drinks could be sold for less than 50 pence per unit of alcohol they contain.
It would mean most bottles of wine could not be sold for less than £4.50 or a pint of beer £3.00.
Cabinet minister Douglas Alexander said the government would consider what Sir Liam had to say in his report.
But Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said ministers had no intention of going ahead with something that would punish the responsible majority of drinkers.
The proposal is aimed at tackling alcohol misuse and is set out in Sir Liam’s annual report on the nation’s health.
A Tesco spokeswoman said: “If government comes forward with a package of proposals including minimum alcohol pricing, we would enter into discussions positively”.
The Portman Group, set up by drinks manufacturers to promote sensible drinking, opposes the plan.
Portman chief executive David Poley said: “This would have a marginal effect on harmful drinkers but force hard-working families to pay more for a drink.”
To me it seems that those who drink heavily are going to penalise those who enjoy in moderation. Yet another insane policy by this defunct government.
