The British drinks industry has sent an open letter to the Alcohol Health Alliance to ask for clarification of its proposals.

The British drinks industry has challenged new proposals from the Alcohol Health Alliance by inviting the group to answer a number of key questions.

The Alcohol Health Alliance is made up of 21 health groups which plan to lobby the Government to introduce advertising and industry regulations, along with a 10% tax increase on alcoholic drinks.

The British drinks industry is concerned that these plans will affect the consumer – both in terms of increased taxes and personal choice. The industry also believes that such measures may even increase alcohol consumption by ‘encouraging an illicit market in alcohol.’

The industry, made up of leading drinks associations, has asked five key questions of the lobby group in an open letter to Professor Ian Gilmore, Chairman of the Alcohol Health Alliance. These questions address issues such as alcohol tax, advertising and health warnings.

Rob Hayward, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “We are challenging some of the basic assumptions at the heart of this campaign. We do not believe the evidence base supports their call for higher taxes, more regulation and health warnings. Indeed, these concerns are heightened because our experience from around the world strongly suggests that the measures this lobby group are seeking could make the situation worse.”

The British drinks industry has representatives from the British Beer & Pub Association, Gin & Vodka Association, National Association of Cider Makers, Scotch Whisky Association and the Wine & Spirits Trade Association.    

Log on to www.beerandpub.com to read the open letter from the British drinks industry.