BII backs minimum pricing
The BII has given its backing to plans for a minimum pricing of alcohol.
The issue remains on the radar after Gordon Brown said he wasn't keen on the proposal, following calls for a 50p per-unit minimum price from Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson.
The Scottish National Party is also pushing ahead with plans for minimum pricing north of the border.
BII chief executive Neil Robertson said: "BII members are in favour of minimum pricing, in and of itself, as it reduces the differential between the cheap booze we see sold in some off licensed premises and the alcohol sold in the regulated, monitored environment of the pub.
"We don't support the use of promotions based around cheap drinks in any type of licensed premises and would welcome closer parity in the price of alcohol.
"It is hoped that the pricing measures announced in Scotland will help reduce the number of street drinkers, whose chaotic behaviour is often blamed on neighbouring on sales premises, and thus reduce the need for the proposed social responsibility fee while at the same time helping to improve the nation's health.
"It is even possible that these measures, fairly applied, could help to attract customers back into pubs. It should be remembered that BII members don't compete on price alone - a well run, welcoming pub provides an all round hospitality experience which cannot be replicated anywhere else. We are encouraged that our members sell alcohol in a socially responsible manner already and this measure of professionalism pays off in these difficult times.
"The Scottish Government acknowledges that a lot of work still has to be done in respect of minimum pricing, however, it is persuaded by research carried out by Sheffield University which indicates that price increases help reduce consumption and harm."
On the subject of implementation, he said: "We ask that the Scottish Government gives real consideration to the hidden costs of minimum pricing.
"Implementing this proposal will bring further significant burdens to an already beleaguered licensed retail industry in terms of time and cost. Systems across the sector will have to be updated - just months after they were altered to reflect the cut in VAT.
"At BII we echo the thoughts of many that minimum pricing in itself will not solve the problems associated with alcohol harm. Instead, we believe that education from a young age is a fundamental step towards the cultural change needed.
"We would be happy to support the Scottish Government but stress we would want to see a balanced approach that recognises the benefits of education. The BIIAB Scottish Certificate in Alcohol Awareness, and its equivalent in England and Wales, is in place, ready and available - we will push for a national roll out of the qualification to all young people through the education system. More than 5,000 young people have already been awarded the qualification across the three countries."
He added: "We are obviously aware that the issue of minimum pricing is being heavily debated in England and Wales right now and we will comment on specific proposals as they emerge.
"Whatever happens - north and south of the border - we want to see this as part of a wider package of measures. We need a comprehensive and far reaching strategy for the future of alcohol harm reduction, not a piecemeal approach. Clarity and consistency will be key."
