Soapbox Tonight Asks: How Should The Government Tackle The Problem of Alcohol Abuse?

Soapbox tonight asks: How should the Government tackle the great problem of alcohol abuse?

There’s talk of introducing a minimum price which has already come into law in Scotland. The question is: would such a law work here in England? Is it fair? Or is it an interference with an individual’s freedom to choose?

A recent official study found that setting a minimum price of 30p per unit would prevent 300 deaths a year, 40p about 1,000 deaths, and 50p more than 2,000 premature deaths.

The Downing Street diktat has led to intense Whitehall discussions and disagreements over how the minimum price, which has widespread support among the medical profession, can be introduced. Theresa May, the Home Secretary, is said to favour taxing drink on the basis of alcoholic units. The Business Department has warned that forcing firms to charge a minimum price could be illegal under European law.

On the panel:

·        Inspector Pete Hall, Staffordshire Police

·        Sam Richardson, 2^{nd year} Broadcast Journalism student, Staffs University

We’d love to hear what you have to say!

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Show starts 7pm