FPH supports call for alcohol tax rise
Friday 27 October 2006
Faculty of Public Health supports call for alcohol tax rise
The Faculty of Public Health has today given its backing to Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt's call for a tax rise on alcohol to try to curb the epidemic of binge drinking, particularly in younger people.
Faculty of Public Health President , Professor Rod Griffiths said: “Alcohol is cheaper and more available than it has been for a long time, and people generally have more money to spend. Raising taxes on alcohol, especially those aimed at younger people, is one way of cutting consumption. And government has this power to make this change.”
The Faculty is also calling on industry to support the Health Secretary. Professor Griffiths added: “If the alcohol industry really cares about responsible drinking, then they should support this move.”
The Faculty welcome's the new initiative from government, aimed at educating young people about knowing their alcohol limits. But education is only one mechanism. Government also needs to look at price and availability – and how alcohol is marketed.
Ends
Notes to editors
- For further information contact Lindsey Stewart, Policy and Communications, Faculty of Public Health T: 020 7935 3115
- The Faculty has produced a briefing statement on alcohol and violence. Alcohol and violence is available from the Faculty's website: www.fph.org.uk
- The Faculty is an authoritative public health body which maintains and improves standards in the public health workforce to improve the health of the population. For further information visit the Faculty's website: www.fph.org.uk
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