AGMA authorities latest to look at minimum unit price for alcohol

The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities is to consider the imposition of a minimum price per unit for the sale of alcohol.

The 10 authorities in AGMA have commissioned a report into the possibility of passing a by-law that would set the minimum price at 50p per unit. This would see drinkers pay £4.50 for a standard bottle of wine, £6 for a six-pack of lager and £14 for a 700ml bottle of whisky.

The report's findings will be presented at AGMA's meeting in October.

Paul Kendal of Stockport Council emphasised that no decision had yet been made. "The authorities realised at their meeting last Friday that the concept of a by-law needs a lot more investigation," he said.

If passed, the by-law would cover pubs, off-licences and supermarkets in authorities such as Manchester, Oldham and Bolton.

However, any imposition of a minimum price is likely to meet stiff resistance from drinks businesses and retailers. They argue that such a move would be illegal under EU competition law.

AGMA’s announcement comes just days after Local Government Lawyer reported on Middlesbrough Council’s consultation on the imposition of a minimum unit price.

Under its proposal, where premises are found to be selling alcohol below 50p per unit, a review of the premises licence would be sought where “relevant representations are made”.

The local authority said the initiative was about ensuing that alcohol is not available at “pocket money prices”.

Also last week, the Home Office unveiled plans for the most radical shake-up of licensing law in years in a consultation paper.

Its proposals include: giving licensing authorities the power to refuse licence applications or to call for a licence review without requiring relevant representations from a responsible authority; reducing the evidential burden of proof required by licensing authorities in making decisions; increasing the weight given to representations and objection notices from the police; and allowing local authorities to consider the views of the wider community, not just those living close to premises.