ACS calls for partnership approach in future alcohol policy
The Association of Convenience Stores has called for the government to use a partnership approach in determining future alcohol policy.
At the Future of Alcohol Policy conference in London last week, ACS public affairs director Shane Brennan said: “Everything we have achieved in recent years, which includes dramatic reductions in underage and binge drinking, has been achieved through effective partnership. This has been achieved at the national level through pioneering schemes such as Challenge 25 and the Responsibility Deal and at the local level through initiatives such as Community Alcohol Partnerships.”
The conference was held as the government considers how to take forward its Alcohol Strategy published in March 2012 which suggests measures such as the introduction of minimum unit pricing and cumulative impact policies.
Brennan added: “The future has to be about cementing those partnerships and seeking common solutions to local problems. This should be our focus and we must resist the temptation to impose yet more regulations or to impose top down solutions that rarely achieve the engagement necessary to make a real difference.”
