UK - Residential Clinic

Looking for a rehab clinic/treatment centre in the UK area?

You can receive independent, expert advice on alcohol rehabilitation and rehab centres by telephoning directly on 0845 370 0203

The most important consideration in choosing a rehab centre is to match the individual to the rehab centre that is most likely to lead to a successful outcome.

We can provide an assessment of all your needs and a recommendation regarding the most effective rehab placement for you, given your particular circumstances. We can provide fast, immediate access to alcohol treatment.

Rehab News: Pub industry issues challenge to BMA on 'unjust' tax

Sensible majority not willing to pay more for bad minority, says BBPA poll

The British Medical Association is wrong to argue that responsible drinkers are willing to pay more tax on alcohol to deal with the behaviour of an irresponsible minority, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.

In a letter to the BMA's Head of Science and Ethics, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BBPA Chief Executive Rob Hayward points to new polling that indicates that the public overwhelmingly believes that higher taxes unfairly penalise sensible drinkers and will not significantly reduce binge drinking.

Mr Hayward has asked to meet Dr Nathanson to discuss the issue.

In the letter, Mr Hayward said:

"People who drink alcohol need to be fully aware of the damage that can be done to their health by excess. On this our two organisations agree.

"In our view, the British Medical Association is wrong to press the Government to deter the minority by punishing the majority with higher taxes. That is also the view of the large majority of the public, which overwhelmingly rejects your case for higher taxation."

Mr Hayward pointed to a BBPA-commissioned opinion poll by ComRes which found that:

61% of people said they would not be willing to pay more tax on alcohol to prevent others from problem drinking, as against 31% who said they would;

82% of people say that higher taxes unfairly penalise sensible drinkers;

86% of people say that higher taxes will not significantly reduce binge drinking;

60% of people opposed recent increases in tax to tackle binge drinking;

76% of people see higher taxes as a threat to traditional pubs.

Mr Hayward added:

"It is clear therefore that calls for higher taxes do not have public support on grounds either of fairness or effectiveness. In fact, piling more taxes on beer would drive more people away from pubs, which remain the safest setting for the social pleasures associated with drinking responsibly."

Article published on 18/08/2008 by DryOutNow.com