Health bosses back curbs on cheap alcohol

The Greater Manchester Health Commission has welcomed the announcement from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to support curbs on the sale of cheap alcohol.

The recommendation from NICE is in guidance on reducing the harm from excessive drinking and backs proposals for the introduction of a minimum price for alcohol – a policy the Greater Manchester Health Commission supports.

The minimum pricing plan is aimed at reducing the consumption of alcohol, in particular harmful drinking. Minimum pricing would target alcohol which is being sold at extremely cheap prices per unit and drinking promotions that can lead to anti-social behaviour.

Research shows that as the price of alcohol rises, consumption falls. Other benefits from introducing minimum pricing would include reductions in violent crime and workplace absence.

Councillor Cliff Morris, chair of the Greater Manchester Health Commission, said: "The announcement and guidance from NICE is welcome news. The cost to the quality of life in Greater Manchester is already huge and rising.

"The introduction of a minimum price for alcohol - which the Greater Manchester Health Commission initially highlighted last year - would go a long way to improving the health of people across Greater Manchester.

"The misuse of alcohol in our region can cause real social and health problems, both for individuals and for our communities. These proposals would go a long way towards reducing harmful alcohol use."