Alcohol Price and Consumption - Revision history

Claire Harkins: /* Scotch Whisky Association */

2012-05-30T09:21:29Z

Scotch Whisky Association

Claire Harkins: /* Useful Links */

2012-05-30T09:20:40Z

Useful Links

Claire Harkins: /* Scotch Whisky Association */

2012-05-30T08:54:06Z

Scotch Whisky Association

Claire Harkins at 08:25, 30 May 2012

2012-05-30T08:25:46Z

Claire Harkins: Created page with "{{Template:Alcohol badge}} {{Template:Health badge}} == Alcohol Pricing == In most countries alcohol is subject to taxation. Historically this has been an important means of rai..."

2012-05-30T08:18:51Z

Created page with "{{Template:Alcohol badge}} {{Template:Health badge}} == Alcohol Pricing == In most countries alcohol is subject to taxation. Historically this has been an important means of rai..."

New page

{{Template:Alcohol badge}} {{Template:Health badge}}
== Alcohol Pricing ==
In most countries alcohol is subject to taxation. Historically this has been an important means of raising revenue for the state. The relationship between the price of alcohol and subsequent rates of consumption are clear. Quite simply as the price of alcohol falls consumption increases and when alcohol prices increase consumption lowers.

Alcohol duty has in some countries been used as a public health measure but usually the tax levied on alcohol is purely a revenue raising mechanism. Furthermore, the real price of alcohol has decreased in many places as governments have not increased tax levels in line with rising standards of living.<ref> Babor (et al 2010) Alcohol No Ordinary Commodity, 2nd edition, Oxford University press, England ISBN 978-0-19-955114-9 </ref> According to Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) alcohol has become dramatically more affordable:
:“Between 1980 and 2005 the price of alcohol increased by 22% more than prices generally. However because disposable income has increased by :97% in real terms (Between 1980 and 2005), alcohol was 62% more affordable in 2005 than in 1980” <ref>SHAAP 2007:11 [http://www.shaap.org.uk/UserFiles/File/Price%20Report%20-%20Full%20report.pdf Alcohol: Price, Policy and Public Health] </ref>

The increased affordability has been a contributory factor in escalating rates of consumption and, in turn, rates of alcohol related harm. Therefore establishing a minimum price for alcohol is regarded by public health experts as one of the most important components of a robust alcohol control strategy. (Edwards 1994; Babor et al 2003; 2010; Anderson and Baumberg 2006). Increasing the price of alcohol alone will not eliminate alcohol related harm form but it does comprise a substantial element of effective alcohol control.

The link between the price of alcohol and subsequent rates of consumption has received a great deal of attention from researchers. Three reviews of research evidence (cited in Babor 2010 pp 112) of econometric studies from a wide range of countries all uphold the position that “alcohol demand is price responsive, inelastic and varies between beverage categories” <ref> Babor (et al 2010) Alcohol No Ordinary Commodity, 2nd edition, Oxford University press, England ISBN 978-0-19-955114-9 </ref>
<ref> Rabinovich, (et al. 2009) [http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/technical_reports/2009/RAND_TR689.sum.pdf The affordability of alcoholic beverages in the European Union Understanding the link between alcohol affordability, consumption and harms] RAND Europe </ref>
<ref> James Fogarty, (2006) [http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1552946 The nature of the demand for alcohol: understanding elasticity] British Food Journal, Vol. 108 Iss: 4, pp.316 – 332 </ref>
<ref> Gallet, C. [http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=985689 The Demand for Alcohol: A Meta-Analysis of Elasticities] Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 121-135, June 2007 </ref>

==Scotland: Minimum Unit Pricing ==
Scotland does not have jurisdiction over alcohol taxation this is controlled by the Westminster government in London. The SNP recognised the need for action on alcohol in Scotland and on since coming to power in 2007 have subsequently set about establishing a minimum price for alcohol on public health grounds. The Scottish Parliament has now passed legislation to allow them to proceed with the introduction of a minimum price for alcohol among other measures. The struggle to improve Scotland’s health in relation to alcohol however looks set to continue with the alcohol industry geared up to challenge the legality of the policy under European law that is notorious pro trade.
The alcohol industry is, unsurprisingly, fiercely opposed to any policy measures that they perceive as a threat to their commercial interests. The threat of minimum pricing to the alcohol industry mobilised the industry and its friends and propelled then into a well organised heavily financed strategy to avoid introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol

The way in which the debate over minimum pricing has been shaped is interesting, the debate, largely controlled by the alcohol industry relies on regarding price increases as a punishment on the majority as a result of the minority. The alcohol industry is able to enlist the support of several right wing think tanks, other businesses such as advertisers and sponsorship agencies, the fast food industry supermarkets and certain sectors of the media to frame the debate as an infringement on freedom of choice for individuals. This is a populist and common sense argument that demonstrates a misrepresentation (often a deliberate misrepresentation) of the nature of alcohol related harm, consumption patterns and ultimately how individuals behave and in turn how society functions. It would be naive to think that this is a genuine misunderstanding of how people behave on behalf of the alcohol industry. Their skills in marketing, advertising and generally the tactics they use to raise levels of alcohol consumption demonstrate that they have an exceptional grasp on the way individuals function together to create social phenomena. The alcohol industry knows how to create group behaviour and as such is well aware of the social nature of alcohol consumption trend and brands.

== Alcohol Industry and the Pricing debate==

== Resources and Useful Links ==

==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Alcohol]][[Category:Health]] [[Category: Web of Influence]] [[Category:Alcohol Science and Scientists]]

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 == Scotch Whisky Association ==
-The [[Scotch Whisky Association]] (SWA) is fiercely opposed to the introduction of minimum pricing per unit of alcohol which is supported by the public health community and the Scottish Government.  SWA have been at the forefront of challenging the proposed legislation in Scotland.  They claim that under European Law imposing a minimum price is against economic competition law and use the example of the [[European Court]]'s rejection of the implementation of a minimum price for tobacco in France, Austria and Ireland. <ref> Scotch Whisky Association 22nd October 2009 [http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/swa/files/ECJRulesMinPriceIllegalOct09.pdf MINIMUM PRICING ILLEGAL EUROPEAN COURT RULES] accessed 23rd February 2010 </ref>  As the SWA will know the European Court is not bound by previous rulings and therefore if it can be convinced that the measure is a step towards improving public health it may well rule in favour of minimum pricing.  The [[ Scottish Labour Party]] echoed the calls of the SWA and asked the Scottish Government to state the legal basis for their plans to protect public health.  Then shadow health spokesperson for Labour [[Cathy Jamieson]] said: "We have always said that the legal basis for the SNP's minimum pricing policy needed clarification."  <ref> BBC News Scotland 22nd October 2009 [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8321546.stm Court ruling on minimum pricing] accessed 23rd February 2010 </ref>
+The [[Scotch Whisky Association]] (SWA) is fiercely opposed to the introduction of minimum pricing per unit of alcohol which is supported by the public health community and the Scottish Government.  SWA have been at the forefront of challenging the proposed legislation in Scotland.  They claim that under European Law imposing a minimum price is against economic competition law and use the example of the [[European Court]]'s rejection of the implementation of a minimum price for tobacco in France, Austria and Ireland. <ref> Scotch Whisky Association 22nd October 2009 [http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/swa/files/ECJRulesMinPriceIllegalOct09.pdf Minimum Pricing Illegal European Court Rules] accessed 23rd February 2010 </ref>  As the SWA will know the European Court is not bound by previous rulings and therefore if it can be convinced that the measure is a step towards improving public health it may well rule in favour of minimum pricing.  The [[ Scottish Labour Party]] echoed the calls of the SWA and asked the Scottish Government to state the legal basis for their plans to protect public health.  Then shadow health spokesperson for Labour [[Cathy Jamieson]] said: "We have always said that the legal basis for the SNP's minimum pricing policy needed clarification."  <ref> BBC News Scotland 22nd October 2009 [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8321546.stm Court ruling on minimum pricing] accessed 23rd February 2010 </ref>
 The [[Scotch Whisky Association]] has been one of the key alcohol industry organisations lobbying against the introduction of a minimum pricing for alcohol, together with the [[Wine and Spirits Association]] and the [[British Retail Consortium]].  The Scottish Government published a bill in November 2009 that contained plans to reduce overall consumption of alcohol in Scotland by a range of measures including the proposed minimum price per unit of alcohol.  Weeks before the bill was published the SWA invited public affairs and lobbying companies to support their opposition to the inclusion of minimum pricing.  An internal SWA document voiced concerns that the step to improve public health in Scotland would have a negative impact on international sales. <ref> Bryan Christie 2009, [http://www.bmj.com/cgi/section_pdf/339/dec07_1/b5329.pdf  Fear of minimum alcohol pricing spreading to other countries led to opposition in Scotland]  BMJ 2009;339:b5339 accessed 17th March 2010 </ref> According to Bryan Christie, writing in the BMJ:

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 == Useful Links ==
+*Scottish Government [http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/Alcohol/minimum-pricing Alcohol Minimum Pricing]
+*The University of Sheffield [http://www.shef.ac.uk/scharr/sections/ph/research/alpol/research/scotland Effects of Minimum Pricing and Discount Bans in Scotland]
+*Alcohol Concern [http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/assets/files/PolicyandCampaigns/Minimum%20pricing%20points.pdf Minimum pricing - key facts and constituency questions for MPs]
+*Alcohol Focus Scotland [http://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/minimum-pricing Minimum Pricing]
 ==References==
 <references/>
 [[Category:Alcohol]][[Category:Health]] [[Category: Web of Influence]] [[Category:Alcohol Science and Scientists]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:54, 30 May 2012
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	== Scotch Whisky Association ==		== Scotch Whisky Association ==
		+	The [[Scotch Whisky Association]] (SWA) is fiercely opposed to the introduction of minimum pricing per unit of alcohol which is supported by the public health community and the Scottish Government. SWA have been at the forefront of challenging the proposed legislation in Scotland. They claim that under European Law imposing a minimum price is against economic competition law and use the example of the [[European Court]]'s rejection of the implementation of a minimum price for tobacco in France, Austria and Ireland. <ref> Scotch Whisky Association 22nd October 2009 [http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/swa/files/ECJRulesMinPriceIllegalOct09.pdf MINIMUM PRICING ILLEGAL EUROPEAN COURT RULES] accessed 23rd February 2010 </ref> As the SWA will know the European Court is not bound by previous rulings and therefore if it can be convinced that the measure is a step towards improving public health it may well rule in favour of minimum pricing. The [[ Scottish Labour Party]] echoed the calls of the SWA and asked the Scottish Government to state the legal basis for their plans to protect public health. Then shadow health spokesperson for Labour [[Cathy Jamieson]] said: "We have always said that the legal basis for the SNP's minimum pricing policy needed clarification." <ref> BBC News Scotland 22nd October 2009 [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8321546.stm Court ruling on minimum pricing] accessed 23rd February 2010 </ref>
		+
		+	The [[Scotch Whisky Association]] has been one of the key alcohol industry organisations lobbying against the introduction of a minimum pricing for alcohol, together with the [[Wine and Spirits Association]] and the [[British Retail Consortium]]. The Scottish Government published a bill in November 2009 that contained plans to reduce overall consumption of alcohol in Scotland by a range of measures including the proposed minimum price per unit of alcohol. Weeks before the bill was published the SWA invited public affairs and lobbying companies to support their opposition to the inclusion of minimum pricing. An internal SWA document voiced concerns that the step to improve public health in Scotland would have a negative impact on international sales. <ref> Bryan Christie 2009, [http://www.bmj.com/cgi/section_pdf/339/dec07_1/b5329.pdf Fear of minimum alcohol pricing spreading to other countries led to opposition in Scotland] BMJ 2009;339:b5339 accessed 17th March 2010 </ref> According to Bryan Christie, writing in the BMJ:
		+	:The Scotch Whisky Association’s document says that “a more assertive and populist message is now thought to be necessary with the clear objective of securing the absence of minimum pricing in the Bill and from the final Act.” It says that the key audiences are the media, consumers, and trade, “with the objective of removing any popular and political support for minimum pricing.” <ref> Bryan Christie 2009, [http://www.bmj.com/cgi/section_pdf/339/dec07_1/b5329.pdf Fear of minimum alcohol pricing spreading to other countries led to opposition in Scotland] BMJ 2009;339:b5339 accessed 17th March 2010 </ref>

	== Useful Links ==		== Useful Links ==

@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 The alcohol industry is, unsurprisingly, fiercely opposed to any policy measures that they perceive as a threat to their commercial interests.  The threat of minimum pricing to the alcohol industry mobilised the industry and its friends and propelled then into a well organised heavily financed strategy to avoid introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol
-The way in which the debate over minimum pricing has been shaped is interesting, the debate, largely controlled by the alcohol industry relies on regarding price increases as a punishment on the majority as a result of the minority.  The alcohol industry is able to enlist the support of several right wing think tanks, other businesses such as advertisers and sponsorship agencies, the fast food industry supermarkets and certain sectors of the media to frame the debate as an infringement on freedom of choice for individuals.  This is a populist and common sense argument that demonstrates a misrepresentation (often a deliberate misrepresentation) of the nature of alcohol related harm, consumption patterns and ultimately how individuals behave and in turn how society functions.  It would be naive to think that this is a genuine misunderstanding of how people behave on behalf of the alcohol industry. Their skills in marketing, advertising and generally the tactics they use to raise levels of alcohol consumption demonstrate that they have an exceptional grasp on the way individuals function together to create social phenomena.  The alcohol industry knows how to create group behaviour and as such is well aware of the social nature of alcohol consumption trend and brands.
+== Alcohol Industry and the Pricing debate==
-== Alcohol Industry and the Pricing debate==