Sheffield report analyses effects of alcohol pricing and promotion policies

03 December 2008

A University of Sheffield report, commissioned by the Department of Health to help Government Ministers decide future alcohol policy, shows that policies which lead to price increases reduce alcohol consumption and can have significant effects on reducing alcohol-related harm.

The findings, which were published today (Wednesday 3 December 2008) by the Department of Health, are the results of the second phase of an independent review. As part of the review the Sheffield researchers examined the potential effects of different pricing policies on patterns of alcohol consumption and the resulting impact on the nation´s health, crime, absenteeism in the workplace and unemployment.

To compile the report the Sheffield team analysed over 40 separate policy scenarios, including setting minimum prices per unit of alcohol at different levels and bans on price-based promotions in off licences and supermarkets. The research examines how policies affect alcohol purchasing and consumption by different population groups, including moderate, hazardous, harmful and underage drinkers both in the on-trade (such as pubs, clubs and restaurants) and the off-trade (supermarkets, off licenses) sectors.
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