A new study has stirred up discussion on imposing a minimum price per standard drink to curb heavy and dangerous drinking.
The authors of a survey of dependent drinkers at an Auckland clinic conclude that “it seems likely that a minimum pricing regime would result in an overall reduction in alcohol consumption” in this group. They also report there was minimal evidence dependent drinkers would turn to non-beverage alcohol – such as methylated spirits – or criminal activity to access alcohol when it becomes unaffordable.
Read more about the study and expert reaction.
The study has been covered in New Zealand media. Examples include:
New Zealand Herald: Little fear in dearer booze
3 News: Proposed minimum alcohol price
RNZ: Call for minimum price for standard drink
MSN News: A minimum alcohol price required, experts