Wednesday 31 July 2013

The alcopop years



The BBC has a decent article about the moral panic about alcopops that started in the 1990s.

Two decades ago alcopops caused a wave of concern that led to increased taxes and new regulations for drinks makers. Was the panic justified?

The answer is "no, probably not." There is even a rare outing for some pertinent statistics...

Consumption of alcohol, having reached a peak in 2000, is declining in the UK. The number of people who never drink is rising. Alcohol sales are falling, with a drop of as much as 6-10% in the past 12 months, according to retail analyst Mintel.

Never forget those figures. Just imagine how much more frenzied the temperance lobby would be if they were going in the opposite direction (as they will, one day).






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