11 November 2008
Methodist Church welcomes push for the responsible pricing of alcohol
The British Methodist Church has welcomed calls from MPs
to set minimum prices on alcoholic drinks.
Today's report from the Home Affairs Select Committee 'Policing in
the 21st Century' highlights the serious problems of
alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour. It calls for an
end to 'happy hours', supermarket loss-leading promotions, and the
introduction of minimum sale prices for alcohol.
David Bradwell, Public Issues Policy Adviser, said: 'Alcohol
misuse is a growing problem. This is partly due to the easy
availability of cheap booze - alcohol was 69% more affordable last
year compared to 1980. This is why we support the recommendations
of the Select Committee.'
The Methodist Church has a long tradition of promoting abstinence
and moderate drinking as a way of tackling the problems alcohol
causes.
David continued; 'John Wesley railed against cheap gin in the 18th
century because of its devastating impact on the lives of the most
vulnerable people. The Methodist Church today urges the Government
to move towards imposing minimum prices for alcohol and ending
irresponsible promotions by retailers.'