BII slams tax increase proposal

November 14, 2007: Education — not taxation — is the key to Britain's binge drinking problem, according to the British Institute of Innkeepers (BII).

Responding to calls from the newly-formed Alcohol Health Alliance to make alcohol more expensive to put it out of the reach of those who abuse it, BII chief executive John McNamara pointed out that the UK had the second highest taxation in the European Union.

Cheapness and availability of alcohol was not an issue in other European countries.

"The industry has been working hard to establish a high level of social responsibility, but the real key to tackling the issues of young people being admitted to hospital through the abuse of alcohol is education," said Mr McNamara.

"BII launched its ground-breaking Certificate in Alcohol Awareness (CAA) in October and already 70 educational establishments are offering this qualification. Some areas are picking up the CAA as part crime and disorder reduction strategies. This qualification has wide uses in both educating drinkers of the future and also the problem drinkers of today.

“The way forward is not to tell children about the evils of drink in isolation — they need to be aware of all the wider issues surrounding the use of alcohol and how to make an educated choice about alcohol consumption.

"This qualification offers this. Feedback from young people who have already completed the course makes it clear that their approach to alcohol has been altered in a positive manner."

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