UNITED KINGDOM—Price increases on alcoholic drinks lead directly to a decline in consumption, said a study by the University of Sheffield published Dec. 3 to coincide with the government's plan to introduce a mandatory code of practice for alcohol retailers.
Researchers analyzed more than 40 separate policy scenarios, including setting minimum prices per unit of alcohol at different levels and bans on price-based promotions in off licenses and supermarkets.
The beverage industry has argued against a link between price and consumption, but the Wine & Spirit Trade Association accepted the need for a stricter code of practice on sales and promotions.
Under the new government plans, it is thought that offers such as three-for-two drinks promotions in supermarkets and off licenses may be outlawed.
Petra Meier, MD, the lead Sheffield researcher, said: "The results suggest that policies which increase the price of alcohol can bring significant health and social benefits and lead to considerable financial savings in the NHS, criminal justice system and the workplace. Our results also show that targeting price increases at cheaper types of alcohol would affect harmful and hazardous drinkers far more than moderate drinkers."