UK Government’s alcohol strategy -- what is being done.
(from: Alcohol Health Alliance UK)
Proposed measure / What is it? / Will it work?Ban on ‘below cost’ sales. / A ban on the sale of alcohol
below the cost of duty+VAT. / It’s a complicated and ineffective measure. A recent IFS report showed that this would only impact 1% of all alcohol products sold in shops and supermarkets.
Voluntary local ban on high strength beers and ciders / In Ipswich there is a voluntary agreement amongst retailers, in partnership with the police, local council and NHS to ban the sale of beers and ciders above 6.5% ABV. / The initiative relies on effective partnerships at the local level, adherence to voluntary commitments, and places responsibility on the retailers. It also does not cover other alcoholic beverages such as cheap spirits, wines and fortified wines. This cannot be seen as a substitute for nationwide price increases of the cheapest drinks, as retailers who choose not to sign up will simply benefit from the local market share.
EMROs / Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMROs) are tools designed to give local authorities power to restrict the sale of alcohol in certain areas between 12am-6am to address problems associated with late night drinking / In practice, local authorities are reluctant to introduce EMROs for fear of legal challenges from the drinks industry. The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) have reportedly set up a ‘fighting fund’ to cover the cost of legal challenges against EMROs or LNLs
Late Night Levies (LNLs) / LNLs are designed to give local authorities the power to introduce a levy on licensed premises opening after midnight. The Levy is intended to get providers of late night entertainment to contribute to the costs it imposes on the police. / Local authorities are also reportedly reluctant to introduce LNLs both for the fear of legal challenge from the drinks industry and the expectation that very little revenue would be raised as a result. To date only one local authority, Newcastle, has approved or introduced an LNL. The lack of appeal for pursuing LNLs stems from the fact that monies would be split 30/70 with 70% going to the police. In addition, local authorities will be told how the money raised can be spent by the central government, yet the police will have the freedom to decide how to spend their share.