Cameron 'irresponsible' over local minimum pricing support

Published: 12 August, 2010

The Association of Convenience Stores has criticised David Cameron's support for local minimum pricing on alcohol.

The Prime Minister made the comments in an interview with the Manchester Evening News, where he said the plans to introduce a minimum unit price of 50p in Greater Manchester would be looked at "sympathetically".

Ten councils in the area want to pass bylaws to address public disorder and health issues caused by binge-drinking.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: "While it is important that communities have the ability to influence the licensing policy and act to tackle alcohol related problems, it is also important that what they do is evidence-based and effective.

"The government has already concluded that minimum pricing would not be an effective tool in tackling problem drinking so it is difficult to understand why David Cameron would support the policy at a local level.

"If local minimum pricing is implemented, local shops and national businesses alike will be hit hard by people shopping elsewhere so that they can avoid the restrictions. The Prime Minister's comments are irresponsible at a time when many local shops are fighting just to stay open."

The ACS said it will be writing to the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities to outline its concerns.

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