WSTA rejects Lib Dem move on minimum pricing

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has rejected calls by Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg for the introduction of minimum pricing of alcohol.

Clegg said in a speech today at the Sheffield Alcohol Conference that the proposal forms part of a Liberal Democrat policy paper to be published next month.

Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the WSTA, said: "It's odd to say the least that a party committed to cutting taxes now wants millions of consumers to pay more for their weekly shop.

"Minimum pricing set by Government is wrong; it punishes all consumers for the problems caused by a minority and will do nothing to address the real reasons for alcohol misuse."

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