BII voices alchol tax concerns

The BII believes better education is the best way to prevent binge drinking - not an increase in tax.

In response to calls from the Alcohol Health Alliance for a 10% tax hike, BII chief executive John McNamara (pictured) said the industry had already taken great strides in tackling alcohol related harm.

"The UK is already the second highest taxed country in the European Union in tax on alcohol and we are still tackling alcohol related issues,"​ he said.

"The industry has been working hard to establish a high level of social responsibility but the real key to tackling the issues of young people being admitted to hospital through the abuse of alcohol is education."​

The BII launched its Certificate in Alcohol Awareness in October and already 70 educational establishments are offering this qualification.

We have to look at a cultural change in the UK not banging up taxes and making alcohol harder to obtain​Jon McNamaraBII chief executive

McNamara added: "The way forward is not to tell children about the evils of drink in isolation, they need to be aware of all the wider issues surrounding the use of alcohol and how to make an educated choice about alcohol consumption."​

"Cheapness and availability of alcohol is not an issue in other European countries, we have to look at a cultural change in the UK not banging up taxes and making alcohol harder to obtain.

"Cultural change begins with educating young people now and also having a realistic view that young people will experiment with alcohol but with a sound backing of education will not end up as a horror statistic."