If politicians are serious about reducing alcohol consumption in Jersey, proposed duty increases are not the answer, argues Jersey Hospitality Association’s Simon Soar:
‘Over the last 20 years, there has been a 298% duty increase on strong beers and wine against a 78% RPI increase. If the cost of alcohol increases out of step with the cost of living, it puts people off going to pubs, bars and restaurants. What it doesn’t do, as the States of Jersey would like to argue, is improve public health.
‘This is why, ahead of the debate on proposed duty increases at the end of November, the JHA invited States members to a presentation on why we believe this is the wrong course of action.’
A knee-jerk reaction
‘This is a time of huge uncertainly, due to Brexit and proposed amendments of liquor licensing. It is not a good time to be raising duties by 14% on spirits and 12% on strong beers and wine. It’s a knee-jerk reaction and one that would have a negative impact on hospitality in the island – especially when you consider that a strong beer is considered anything above 4.9%, which includes popular drinks like Peroni, Heineken and other premium beers.
‘The government is playing the consumption card, and argues it will help reduce the health and social costs caused by excessive drinking. But there is no demonstrable evidence to back up this claim. What it’s likely going to do is encourage more islanders to buy discounted alcohol from supermarkets and drink at home.’
A tried and tested alternative
‘What we would like to see is a duty increase in line with the increase in RPI, as well as the introduction of minimum pricing, which means charging a minimum price per unit of alcohol. It has already been introduced in Scotland, where it has successfully reduced alcohol consumption. There’s no reason why a similar pricing system couldn’t work here.
‘I’ve been really pleased with the response from States members. They’ve been very positive about our suggestions and they asked a lot of really good questions. We just hope that they’ve taken our concerns on board when it comes to the bringing the matter before the States at the end of November.’