| Government 'must listen to experts on alcohol' | Posted on 11/01/2010 in Medical Government/ NHS related news The Commons health select committee has warned in a report that the drinks industry and supermarkets have more influence than health experts over government alcohol policy.
According to the paper, the alcohol industry in the UK is dependent on "hazardous and harmful drinkers" for three quarters of its sales and without these individuals, sales would plummet by 40 per cent.
The committee has called for the introduction of minimum pricing and a rise in the duty on spirits and industrial white cider to help combat "harmful" drinking.
Chairman of the committee Kevin Barron said: "I agree with the chief medical officer that introducing unit pricing will reduce binge drinking. As the report points out, it will also help traditional pubs in their battle against cut price supermarket offers."
Last year, the government spent 17.6 million pounds on raising awareness about the effects of alcohol, but the drinks industry spent 600-800 million pounds on promoting it. Other news stories from 11/01/2010
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