The voice of the wine and spirit industry

WSTA Response to Prime Minister's statement on alcohol misuse

Responding to Prime Minister David Cameron's comments on the cost to the NHS of alcohol misuse, WSTA Spokesman Gavin Partington said:

'The drinks industry is committed to helping the Government tackle alcohol misuse, alongside other stakeholders.  This is why we are working hard through the Public Health Responsibility Deal on a range of initiatives to promote responsible drinking. 

These include the expansion of Community Alcohol Partnerships across the UK and a national campaign by retailers to raise consumer awareness about the units of alcohol in their favourite drinks.

Unlike these measures, minimum unit pricing is a blunt tool which would both fail to address the problem of alcohol misuse and punish the vast majority of responsible consumers.  As Government ministers acknowledge, it is also probably illegal'.

For more information please contact Gavin Partington:

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7089 3876
Mob: +44 (0) 7966 014058
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.