Drink price hike will only tackle abuse symptoms

While it is true we have some problem drinkers in this country, the vast majority of those who enjoy a drink in good company are perfectly responsible people in control of their alcoholic intake.

One presumes the demands to increase the unit price are aimed at those problem drinkers, therefore. This though, tackles the symptoms and not the cause over their over-indulgence.

These causes could include low-self worth, depression, stress, social exclusion, poverty and a myriad of other things which ‘drive them to drink’. If so, the extra price hike will merely penalise them more and do nothing to help the underlying problems. In addition, the confirmed alcoholic will not benefit either from a price increase but instead may be driven further into desperation.Of course, all of the above is academic if the real reason for the price hike is just to collect yet more taxes.