Alcohol: Minimum Pricing Debate

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Department: Home Office

Alcohol: Minimum Pricing

Lord Glentoran Excerpts
Wednesday 10th July 2013

(11 years, 4 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Taylor of Holbeach Portrait Lord Taylor of Holbeach
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That is an interesting suggestion. I have no information on it but will certainly take it up.

Lord Glentoran Portrait Lord Glentoran
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My Lords, does the noble Lord agree that the previous Government had at least 10 years in which to react to this and that the price of alcohol and alcohol pricing will do nothing other than probably damage the Government’s income? It will do nothing to achieve what we need to achieve—that, surely, is about getting in among communities.

Lord Taylor of Holbeach Portrait Lord Taylor of Holbeach
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I certainly agree with my noble friend that the price of alcohol is not the only issue at stake. Lots of local communities are taking positive action in this area. I have been to see the night-time economy in the centre of Nottingham. Street ambassadors, taxi marshals and street pastors have helped to make that area of Nottingham safe at night, which has done a lot to improve the economy of the area. There is a big role for community: it is not just a matter of the price of alcohol.