1 September 2017: Commenting on the publication of the latest report from the Institute of Alcohol Studies, Pubs Quizzed, Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, said:
“These survey results represent a significant set of findings, especially for policymakers who may previously have thought that pubs would be opposed to action on cheap alcohol. Various organisations have in the past claimed to reflect the views of pubs, but this survey gives publicans a direct voice.
“The government is currently consulting on increasing the duty on high-strength ciders. It is clear from this report that action in this area is backed by pubs, as well as health bodies and the public.”
“The government should also legislate urgently for a minimum unit price for alcohol, which would tackle the scourge of cheap supermarket alcohol whilst leaving virtually all pub prices untouched.
“Finally, these results should persuade government that the drink drive limit must now be lowered. Those against lowering the limit have often suggested that pubs could be impacted negatively – but as these findings show, a majority of publicans actually support lowering the limit.”