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Congleton Liberal DemocratsCampaigning all year round for the people of Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Alsager, Middlewich, Sandbach and surrounding areas. |
Alcohol Policy - letter to Congleton Chronicle
November 25, 2009 8:59 PM
Dear Sir,
While the Congleton area does not have anywhere near the binge-drinking problem of some inner cities, the challenge of alcohol abuse does not escape us completely.
There are presently more than 170,000 24-hour alcohol licenses in England and Wales, a 14 per cent increase since last year.
Only 150 such licenses were revoked nationally last year so less than 0.1 per cent are judged to cause a problem. This is despite the fact that alcohol fuelled behavior makes many of our town centers no go areas at night.
The easy availability of low cost alcohol is a powerful incentive for young people to consume more than is good for them. This is often for social reasons unrelated to its enjoyment.
It is easy to see therefore why we have such a challenge with binge drinking and emergency admissions for alcohol related causes in many parts of the country.
The Liberal Democrats would introduce minimum prices for alcohol. This along with more stringent enforcement of underage purchase laws and stronger penalties for those buying alcohol for them, would help to curtail the widespread culture of excessive drinking.
I would also welcome stronger regulations to prevent retailers from encouraging the abuse of alcohol even if there is some inconvenience for those drinking legally and sensibly.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Peter Hirst
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Congleton
Rushton Drive
Middlewich
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