Alcohol: Minimum Pricing

Lord Rea Excerpts

Wednesday 10th July 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

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.

[Lord Rea]

My Lords, further to the question asked by the noble Baroness, Lady Hollins, about the Canadian experience, does the Minister agree that it has reduced sales and off-sales at supermarkets and the like—the very places to which binge drinkers go to “tank up” before a night out?

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

The information that the noble Baroness gave was helpful and I am grateful for it.