Agenda item - Chair's Communications

13.1         The Chair reported that with regard to Alcohol Pricing, in September, as Licensing Chair she wrote, with the Council’s Chief Executive and the Director of Public Health, to the Home Secretary and Her Majesty’s Treasury.  They expressed concerns over some of the negative impacts of binge drinking, pre loading and street drinking, assaults, rowdyism and ill health.  Licensing controls do not address the supply of alcohol currently, except the cumulative impact zone.  We recommended addressing affordability and accessibility by using VAT to discourage off sales but support the local hospitality sector. Hazardous drinking is a public health issue and licensing authorities are limited in the remedial action they can take.

13.2         The Treasury responded to me, explaining that the alcohol tax system is constrained by EU legislation.  Apparently the EU’s VAT rules do not allow different tax rates for the same product, although member states can apply a reduced rate to restaurants.  The Government’s proposals to address problem drinking have included:

·               a ban to sell alcohol below cost, although this is only duty and VAT;

·               an increased duty on super strength beer; and

·               the public health responsibility deal.

13.3         Although I appreciated the thoughtful response, I am still concerned, particularly about rising alcohol related morbidity and mortality.  The National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence recognises that the critical ways of preventing harmful drinking are by raising price, reducing availability and limited marketing.