Homelessness charity Thames Reach, which has led a relentless campaign to tackle the damage caused by super-strength lagers and ciders in the UK, has backed the Shadow Home Secretary’s plans announced today to increase tax on these problem drinks.
Chris Grayling’s speech to the Conservative Party Conference included a pledge to double the tax on super strength lager and cider. It also included plans to give local councils new powers to clamp down on the sale of these drinks.
Thames Reach has been lobbying political parties and the drinks industry for the last four years in a bid to increase the price and reduce the availability of super-strength drinks. Over the last twenty years super-strength lagers and ciders have destroyed the health of thousands of homeless and marginalised people causing many addicted men and women to face a painful and premature death.
Jeremy Swain, Thames Reach Chief Executive, said: “We’re getting close to achieving our campaign goals of seeing these deadly drinks taxed out of the UK drinks marketplace.
“If these policies are introduced, it will help to remove the biggest killer of homeless people in the UK.
“We congratulate the Conservatives for this humane and sensible move and would urge the government to follow suit.
“An increase in taxes on super-strength lagers and ciders will make these drinks less obtainable and reduce the amount being consumed, leading to fewer alcohol-related health problems and a reduction in anti-social behaviour. Ultimately it will result in lives being saved.”
A single 500ml can of nine per cent super-strength lager contains four and a half units of alcohol, in excess of the Government’s daily recommended alcohol limit of three/four units for men and two/three units for women.
Ends
Notes to editor
1) Thames Reach has campaigned on the issue of super-strength drinks since 2005. Its Early Day Motion in 2007 attracted the cross-party support of 53 MPs.
2) Thames Reach is one of the UK’s leading homelessness charities. Its ultimate goal is to end street homelessness. It runs a range of services to help rough sleepers off the streets, accommodation including hostels and supported housing projects for individuals with drug and alcohol problems and innovative schemes which help people develop new skills, re-engage with family and friends, and get back into work. See www.thamesreach.org.uk
2) For further details contact Thames Reach communications manager, Mike Nicholas, on 07816 113420 or 0207 702 5646.
mike.nicholas@thamesreach.org.uk
