12 Nov 2012
This consultation was intended to test public opinion on proposed
changes to the law regulating the sale of alcohol in Northern Ireland.
The proposed changes relate to
– regulating the sale of alcohol in supermarkets and off-sales premises
– regulating the sale of alcohol in pubs and other on-sales premises
– regulating private member clubs
– codes of practice
Key points from IPH response
– IPH welcomes the opportunity to submit our views on this review
of regulations related to the sale and supply of alcohol in Northern
Ireland. IPH notes that the reduction of alcohol-related harm is a
stated aim of the review.
– International evidence clearly supports the role of regulation of
the sale and supply of alcohol in reducing alcohol consumption and in
reducing alcohol-related harm.
– The consultation document does not present any meaningful
estimation of the scale or nature of potential positive or negative
effects on alcohol-related harm arising from the proposed changes. On
this basis, IPH recommends that a Health Impact Assessment should be
conducted on the proposed regulations.
– IPH shares the concerns raised in respect of increases in the
number of people drinking at home and the availability of large volumes
of low cost alcohol in supermarkets. In this regard, we welcome the
proposals to enhance the regulation of sale of alcohol in mixed trading
premises by more stringent structural separation measures and restricted
advertising.
– IPH wishes to emphasise the importance of the work underway to
explore the introduction of minimum unit pricing of alcohol on the
island of Ireland as this measure will be significant in enhancing the
proposals on regulating sale of alcohol in mixed trading premises
– In light of evidence of increased alcohol consumption and harm
associated with increased hours and days of sale of alcohol, IPH does
not support the proposal to introduce additional late opening hours or
extended drinking up time.
