Tories stick to plans to tax high strength alcohol


Higher taxes would be targeted at 'cheap drinks that fuel anti-social behaviour', shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling announced at yesterday's Conservative party conference.

In his speech, Grayling said the Tories would "...start with the problem of fourteen year olds hanging around with bottles of super-strength beers or ciders. It's much too easy for them to get very drunk quickly and cheaply."

Grayling also announced the Tories would 'tear up this Government's lax licensing regime' by giving more powers to restrict and fine licensed premises.

According to the Conservative party website, measures would be brought in to include:

• 
  Significant tax increases including on alcopops, strong beer and strong cider that contribute to violence and disorder on our streets. As a result, a 4-pack of super-strength beer will be £1.30 more expensive, a 2-litre bottle of super-strength cider will be 84p more expensive and a large bottle of alcopops will be up to £1.50 more expensive.
• 
  Supermarkets and other retailers will be banned from selling alcohol below cost price. This will help tackle the ‘pre-loading’ trend – young people and binge drinkers consuming cheap alcohol at home before going to town centres.
  
• A much tougher licensing regime. Local councils and the police will be given new powers to restrict the large number of late licences awarded to shops, takeaways and other venues.

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