'Raise alcohol tax to aid health'By Bonnie Malkin and agencies
January 31, 2007


Tax on alcohol should be increased in order to protect public health, a leading medical expert has said.

Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said higher taxes were particularly needed on strong cider, other high strength drinks aimed at young people such as alcopops.

But he warned the alcohol industry operated a powerful lobby which argued against future tax hikes.

Speaking at the Promoting Responsible Drinking conference in London, Prof Gilmore said: "We should try to return the cost of alcoholic beverages in real terms to what they were 20 years ago over a period of time.

"I think there should be a gradual look at returning it in real terms through the annual budgetary process."

He said VAT on cider with an alcohol content of up to 7.5% was currently too low.

"It makes a very significant difference to the cost of cider. It is white cider that is being sold very cheaply - it is the cheapest way of getting drunk.

"It is youngsters and people with alcohol-related problems who go for the cider."

Prof Gilmore said the issue of raising taxes on alcohol was an "uncomfortable" one for the Government.

"The Government is anxious about the nanny state, but I think the harm done by alcohol is such that nannying would be in order," he added.

The jury was still out on the impact of the year-old 24 hour licensing laws on health, he said, and controlling the price, advertising and availability of alcohol were the key methods of tackling alcohol abuse.

New licensing laws came into force in November 2005, permitting round-the-clock alcohol sales in England and Wales.

Around 3,000 premises - of which a quarter are supermarkets - have since gained licences to serve 24 hours a day.