Unit Price of Alcohol to be Focus of Meeting

South Tyneside's attempt to reduce harm associated with alcohol will be discussed at a community meeting next week.

Members of the East Shields and Whitburn Community Area Forum (CAF) will hear about plans to ask the Westminster Government to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol in England.  

Minimum unit pricing will increase the price of the cheapest, strongest products.

This initiative is highly targeted and would save lives, money, cut crime and reduce the pressure on over-stretched emergency services.

Chair of the CAF, Councillor Alex Donaldson, said: "Each year in South Tyneside around 50 adults die and 7,358 crimes are caused due to alcohol consumption. 

"Introducing a minimum unit price is one of the many initiatives we are pursuing to reduce the harm associated with alcohol. 

"It is extremely important that we discuss these plans and how best to implement them." 

"Introducing a minimum unit price is one of the many initiatives we are pursuing to reduce the harm associated with alcohol.

"It is extremely important that we discuss these plans and how best to implement them."

Councillors will also hear about the work carried out by South Tyneside Homes in the area and details on the progress of environmental and housing schemes funded by the CAF.  

The meeting will be held on Thursday 13 February at 6pm at St Gregory's Church Hall, South Shields. Members of the press and public are both welcome.