Measures to curb binge-drinking ‘insufficient’

THE British government unveiled minimum prices for alcohol yesterday in a bid to curb binge-drinking and booze-related violence, but health campaigners immediately condemned the measures as insufficient.

Retailers will be banned from selling alcohol below the cost of duty plus sales tax, meaning a can of lager must cost at least 38 pence and a litre bottle of vodka at least £10.71 (€12.70).

“By introducing this new proposal we are sending a clear message that the government will not stand by and let drink be sold so cheaply that it leads to a greater risk of health harms or drunken violence,” said Home Office minister James Brokenshire in a statement.