Alcohol abuse will get much worse after tax cut

THE changes in excise duty on alcohol in the budget are disturbing but, sadly, understandable. Yet, alarmingly, the budgetary action lacks provision for effective action to counter the inevitable increase in problem drinking which will result.

Many experts are already expressing concern about the increase of home drinking due to the financial downturn.

The prospect of reduced alcohol cost without redress measures will ultimately mean a massive increase in alcohol-related problems. Dealing with the consequences is not dealing with the real issue, and daily we are reminded of those consequences.