www.alkoholpolitik.ch

The WTO, on 15 August 2011, issued the report of the panel that had examined complaints by the European Union and the United States regarding “Philippines – Taxes on distilled spirits” (DS396 and DS403). Panel report

Setting minimum prices for alcohol could help cut the near 700 million pounds wasted each year tackling its misuse, the health minister has said.
Edwin Poots said the Stormont Executive is still considering its options on the abuse of alcohol.
But his latest comments came after visiting his counterpart in Scotland where minimum pricing is also under debate. … (Source: Alcohol Reports, 08/1/11) belfasttelegraph.co.uk, 07/25/11

We are now called „Alcohol Justice,“ the one and only alcohol industry watchdog. Our laser focus is on the world’s most harmful drug, and the companies that make and market it. This rebranding of Marin Institute reflects our global mission: To hold the industry accountable for the harm alcohol inflicts upon our many diverse communities. We use research, media and organizing to expose the industry’s products and practices, and actively advocate for effective policies such as increasing alcohol prices,restricting youth-oriented products, limiting ubiquitous and inappropriate alcohol advertising, and supporting state alcohol control. (Source: alcoholjustice.org, 07/27/11)Click here to learn more about our new name, „Alcohol Justice.“

… as BBPA reveal Responsibility Deal unit campaign.
A Lords Select Committee report on behaviour change was released today, stating ’nudge‘ approaches alone are not sufficient for achieving population level public health improvements. Launching the report, Committee Chair Baroness Neuberger said a „package of measures“ was needed ranging from nudges to taxes and regulation.
Writing in a BBC report, Neuberger stated:
„There’s no doubt that, when it comes to our health, our environment really matters. But the government must recognise that „nudging“ isn’t the only way to make a difference. Sometimes changing the environment will require something stronger. The move to introduce higher alcohol pricing is a good example of how legislation can be used to change our behaviour by changing our environment. … (Source: Alcohol Policy UK, 07/19/11)

Probably yes but there is a bigger picture.
The Australian Government’s decision to raise taxes on ready-to-drink spirit-based beverages (RTDs; “alcopops”) in 2008 caused great controversy. Interest groups have selectively cited evidence to support their points of view.
The alcohol industry cited Victorian data from the Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drug Survey (ASSADS) as evidence that the tax had failed, but closer examination of the data suggests that fewer students are drinking, and fewer are drinking at risky or high-risk levels. Excise data from the first full year after the tax came into effect showed a more than 30% reduction in RTD sales and a 1.5% reduction in total pure alcohol sold in Australia. … (Source: Alcohol Reports, 07/17/11)

Reports of a rise in counterfeit alcohol production have hit the news following a blast that killed 5 people in Boston, Lincolnshire.
In a BBC report on the Growing problem of illegally distilled alcohol, Trading Standards said that in some parts of the UK up to a quarter of licensed premises had been found to be selling counterfeit alcohol. It also reported that alcohol fraud costs the UK about £1bn a year in lost revenue, including £300m from illegal spirit sales, according to government estimates. Over £13 million of smuggled alcohol was seized last year. … (Source: Alcohol Policy UK, 07/15/11)

International News on alcohol politics, 07/04/11

Evidence from China.
Economic literature in developed countries suggests that demand for alcoholic beverages is sensitive to price, with an estimated price elasticity ranging from −0.38 for beer and −0.7 for liquor. However, few studies have been conducted in developing countries. …
The central implication of this study is, while alcohol tax increases can raise government revenue, it alone is not an effective policy to reduce alcohol related problems in China. (Source: Alcohol Reports, 06/11/11)

A consultation on minimum pricing and other options for Northern Ireland is currently open.
Northern Ireland’s Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety are seeking views on setting a minimum price per unit of alcohol. A press release and BBC report announced the move earlier this year.
The survey „forms part of the stakeholder consultation process on minimum pricing of alcohol in Northern Ireland and provides an opportunity for comment on plans to crack down on the availability of cheap alcohol.“ It also includes questions on:
* banning ‚below-cost‘ selling of alcohol
* banning sale of alcohol below level of Duty and VAT
* increasing taxation to address the harms of problem drinking
* considerations in relation to introducing a social responsibility levy
Views are sought from everyone. The submission period closes on 26 June 2011. (Source: Alcohol Policy UK, 06/09/11)

THE cost of some cask wine could quadruple, with Health Minister Nicola Roxon signing off on a plan to develop a nationwide minimum floor price for alcohol. The National Preventive Health Agency has been asked to „develop the concept“ as part of a plan approved by Ms Roxon but yet to be approved by her state counterparts.
The interim chief executive of the agency, Rhonda Galbally, said that while she wasn’t at liberty to reveal everything in the strategic plan approved by Ms Roxon, she was prepared to confirm that it included developing the concept of a uniform alcohol floor price that would apply nationwide. … (Source: Alcohol Reports, 06/08/11) theage.com, 06/08/11