Regulation

Minimum alcohol pricing makes minimum sense


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Energy and Environment

Limiting energy companies to offering just four tariffs is extremely misguided

Press Release

Parliament should resist Leveson's call for statutory change

Minimum alcohol pricing plans are hugely regressive

Commenting on government proposals for a minimum price of 45p per unit for the sale of alcohol in England and Wales, Mark Littlewood, Director General at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said:
 

“If the medical establishment could find a way to limit us to one small sherry per day, they would. For the time being they will be content with getting their hands on a crucial lever of competition – price. Don’t be surprised if a minimum price escalator is introduced a little further down the road.

“It is remarkable that a government that is often criticised for its ‘cabinet of millionaires’ is prepared to introduce a policy that will make the poor poorer but leave the rich alone.

“’The era of big government has run its course’, said David Cameron as leader of the opposition. I couldn’t agree more.”

Notes to editors:

To arrange an interview with an IEA spokesperson, please contact Stephanie Lis, Director of Communications: 020 7799 8909, [email protected]

The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems.

The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.



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