Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they plan to take to counter the expected increase in alcohol consumption following cuts in alcohol duty in the 2015 Budget, as implied by the HM Treasury Policy Costings calculations.

The government recognises the health and social harms associated with those who consume excess alcohol. The government has therefore taken targeted action through the alcohol duty system to encourage responsible alcohol consumption. For example, the government increased duty on super strength lager.

The Government is also taking other action to reduce alcohol related harms. This includes the creation of 20 Local Alcohol Action Areas with the aim of reducing alcohol health and crime harms by encouraging partnerships between industry, local agencies and the voluntary sector. Licensing changes have also been made to help tackle irresponsible alcohol consumption. For example, Local Councils have been given the ability to collect a Late Night Levy from alcohol retailers to contribute towards the cost of policing.