Sir, – Once again we have a Government proposal to victimise the more than 99 per cent of responsible alcohol consumers to satisfy a totally unproven premise that by increasing prices the abuse of alcohol by a tiny minority will be curtailed.
There is no evidence that price is a factor in relation to alcohol consumption. Indeed, if we look at other European countries it is quite clear that it is not.
It does appear that the Minister in question would wish to give the impression of some activity in this area purely for political purposes.
Considering the hardship we are suffering under the present regime, surely we are allowed the occasional drink at a reasonable price and not live under constant threat of more expenditure for less? Is the intention to send more business to Northern Ireland? – Yours, etc,