Manchester to consider imposing minimum price on alcohol

Published: 03 August, 2010

Greater Manchester's local councils are considering setting a minimum price for the sale of alcohol.

It was announced yesterday that the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) Health Commission is looking to implement a by-law that will make it illegal to sell alcohol for less than 50p per unit in shops and bars across the region.

The aim is to cut down on binge drinking and improve health in the city.

It would mean that drinkers would have to pay at least £4.50 for a 70cl bottle of wine, £14 for a 700ml bottle of whisky, £5.50 for a two-litre bottle of cider and £6 for a six-pack of lager.

The fears are that if the scheme is implemented solely in Greater Manchester it could force people into neighbouring areas to buy cheap alcohol in bulk.

The 10 council chiefs that make up the AGMA are to draw up details of how the by-law could be implemented across the region.

Last week multiple grocer Asda also announced its own minimum pricing policy and will no longer sell beer, wines or spirits below the cost of duty plus VAT.

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