British drinkers will 'take the hit on minimum alcohol prices'

According to claims from a food and drink analyst, a minimum price on alcohol will have little impact on UK drinkers. Most will 'take the hit' by buying cheaper brands or simply spending more on drink. Only 21 per cent will drink less, he says.

Tim Wiilson publishes a quarterly study - the Wilson Drinks Report - based on industry trends and consumer attitudes. His research shows, he claims, that 26% of his consumer sample said they would drink the same amount and spend more money, 9% would look for ways to buy alcohol more cheaply and 10% would switch to cheaper brands. Overall, 52% said they would either spend more on the same amount of drink or look for cheaper alternatives.

Mr Wilson, worked in the food and drink division of Deloitte, before publishing his quarterly study. He said: “We are yet to be persuaded that minimum pricing would actually work as intended. Research suggests consumers will either take the hit on price or simply switch to a cheaper alternative.” 

 The research also showed that 89% of British adult drinkers buy alcohol in supermarkets. It found the proportion of people who drink at home before going on a night out varies by region. People in Scotland are the most likely to have at least two drinks at home (22%), compared with 18% in London and 10% in Wales.

Read the rest of this item from the Aberdeen Press & Journal here