Christmas prices would soar under UK Government MUP plans

With less than a week to go until Christmas, the UK Wine & Spirit Trade Association is warning consumers there that they could face a price hike of nearly £17 for their drinks shopping in future if the Government presses ahead with its plans for Minimum Unit Pricing of alcohol.

This latest news follows widespread reports of Cabinet splits over the impact of the policy on lower income families. The WSTA’s research shows the true impact that minimum unit pricing and a multi-buy ban will have on hard-pressed families preparing for Christmas.

A minimum unit price of 50p coupled with the proposed ban on multi-buy discounts would mean that customers stocking up to celebrate Christmas with family and friends could see their drinks shopping bill rise in price from £46.96 to £63.91:

Three bottles of wine: £10 (three for £10 offer)
Three bottles of Cava £11.97 (£3.99 each)
One bottle of Scotch £10.32
One bottle of sherry £4.67
20-pack of beer £10.
Total: £46.96.

Under the Government’s proposals the same shopping list would cost £63.91 comprising:
Three bottles of wine £14.63
Three bottles of Cava £12.93 (£4.31 each)
One bottle of Scotch £14
One bottle of sherry £5.63
20-pack of beer £16.72

WSTA Chief Executive Miles Beale said, “Our research shows the true impact that minimum unit pricing will have on hard pressed families as they prepare for Christmas, adding nearly £17 to a typical Christmas drinks shop. It is unrealistic for the Government to pretend this policy won’t hit responsible consumers preparing to celebrate Christmas with their family and friends.
 
“It is time for David Cameron to use some common sense, listen to his Cabinet colleagues and drop this unfair and ineffective policy now.”