Drink confusion
Yet, not only did they refuse to set this at the start, they won't reveal it for another month or so, before presenting the bill.
Some people are opposed to the general principle on the grounds that the suggested price of 40p would be ineffectual, but if a higher price is envisaged, this would encourage support. I personally believe anything less than 1 would fail.
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Hide AdEqually belatedly, there is now the suggestion of a trial period, which would have overcome much of the opposition. This must have occurred to them before now, so why didn't they float the possibility earlier?
Has it perhaps occurred to them that if a price hike fails to curb sales, then reverting to the status quo would lead to an increase?
ROBERT DOW
Ormiston Road
Tranent, East Lothian
Those advocating making it tougher for alcoholics by legislation of one kind or another (Letters, 6 August) really ought to take a close at the USA and Prohibition. There, they decided to go further than merely increasing prices - they banned alcohol altogether for a number of years. Result: alcoholism and problem drinking soared.
Only when it is realised that you cannot legislate your way into making people drink sensibly, and that the underlying cultural and social problems must be tackled, will any headway be made.
ALEXANDER MCKAY
New Cut Rigg
Edinburgh