‘Social responsibility drink levy’ plan shelved

The Government has shelved proposals to impose a “social responsibility levy” on the alcohol industry, which was supposed to help fund the prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse.

The long-awaited action plan on alcohol has also watered down proposals to ban alcohol advertising on television and radio before 9pm and instead plans an earlier “evening” watershed.

Medical experts and alcohol awareness groups have broadly welcomed the overall plan, particularly the decision to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol — although its imposition is contingent on a legal green light from Europe.