Alcohol sellers back 50p per unit minimum charge

The local group of off sales retailers submited a response to a Northern Ireland wide consultation on the minimum pricing of alcohol.

The Foyle Off Sales Forum - supported by the local Drink Think Project - believes the price of alcohol should be increased to reduce the harm associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

A consultation on the proposal ran from March until the weekend and provided an opportunity to comment on plans to crack down on the availability of cheap alcohol.

The group stated: “We welcome the government’s plans to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol in Northern Ireland and we hope that it is a step towards ending the sale of cheap alcohol in Northern Ireland.

“It is important however that the minimum price is applied right across the UK and Ireland for this to be effective and suggest that it should be set at a price not lower than 50p per unit (this would mean an average can of beer would sell around 85p and a 70cl bottle of vodka for no less than £15).

“The availability of cheap alcohol has been an ongoing issue for off sales and the wider licensed trade due to it contributing in the misuse and irresponsible consumption of alcohol which often leads to social and health related problems.”

Ken Craig, Licensing Officer with PSNI stated: “As licensing officer for the Police Service of Northern Ireland in G District I am pleases to support the local off sales retailers throughout Foyle Area coming together to address excessive drinking issues.

“The project which is facilitated by Joanne Smith of ‘Drink Think’ is an important example of partnership working within the city and it is through such undertakings that the entire city as a whole will benefit.

“The project already has had an impact in the city and I look forward to working with all our partners in the future.”

Joanne Smith, Manager of Drink Think Project who facilitates the Forum commented:

“The large majority of retailers are dedicated to selling alcohol responsibly and are very aware of negative consequences which underage and excessive drinking can lead to.

“We are delighted to support local retailers in their response to the Government’s Consultation and believe it will be an effective measure in reducing harmful alcohol consumption.”

This is the first step in a number of activities the Foyle Off Sales Forum are planning to roll out over the next few months to promote the responsible retailing of alcohol and therefore reduce underage drinking and excessive drinking.