Booze rules tonic

AMBITIOUS plans to tackle binge drinking by imposing strict rules on supermarkets have been praised by Oldham’s health chiefs.

The council’s trading standards department has written to 17 Oldham stores setting out proposals to introduce measures such as alcohol zones and restrictions on advertisements if booze is sold at less than 50p per unit.

Alan Higgins, Oldham’s public health director, said putting a minimum price on alcohol is important to protect people’s health.

He added: “Hospital admissions due to alcohol harm have risen by 64 per cent in the North-West in the past five years.

“We’re not trying to stop people from enjoying drinking and personal responsibility must continue to be part of the focus in tackling alcohol problems.

“Research from Sheffield University has shown that raising the price of the cheapest alcohol sold would affect overall consumption and would target effectively the consumption of people who drink above moderate levels and underage drinkers.”

The council is to consider banning supermarkets and other shops from promoting cheap alcohol in entrances and forcing them to display responsible drinking messages.

Other measures being discussed include banning under 18s from the alcohol zones and hiring extra security staff to patrol these areas.

The council has given retailers until the end of December to voice their opinions on the proposals.