New plans for all-Ireland minimum alcohol price

[Johnny Boy]

It will tax on the poor. A minimum price policy will not affect those who buy more upmarket drinks like good quality wines, decent whiskey and cognacs. That is why it is flawed.
Having said that, at a conference I was at recently, a policewoman giving an address to the hall said that if alcohol didn't exist, 90% of the police would be redundant because 90% of police time is spent on alcohol related crime/anti-social behaviour.

[Cruimh]

It will tax on the poor. A minimum price policy will not affect those who buy more upmarket drinks like good quality wines, decent whiskey and cognacs. That is why it is flawed.

Why ? If anything the poor need protected more than the rich. Exactly the same logic could be used re tobacco taxing.

[Johnny Boy]

Why ? If anything the poor need protected more than the rich. Exactly the same logic could be used re tobacco taxing.

Protected? That's a bit on the patronising side, don't you think? Alcohol contributes to poverty though, but it is far from the only cause. Most low paid people do drink responsibly though. They will be the ones who will be hit hardest in the pocket if these proposals are implemented, and there is a reasonable case to be made for the argument that that is unfair.

[Cruimh]

Protected? That's a bit on the patronising side, don't you think?

No - there are kids whose diets are suffering because their parents drink.

[gaiusc]

I said malt which means Scottish nectar and never less than 12 year old.As a seasonal malt drinker , still on the peaty Talisker until February then readjust incrementally to less peaty ones ,Macallan by summer time(that means the 2 days when it does not rain) .If forced on Irish whiskey front , Black Bush or a Middleton ( if a rich friend is pouring or buying) .

That is drinking foreign products which in my book is only acceptable if you're abroad, got it free or there is nothing else available (never the case). Support your local whiskey producer and Irish jobs.