Drinkaware’s chief executive Chris Sorek speaks on the emergency budget (2010) which involves a 20% increase in VAT:  “Supply and price are not the only factors that influence binge drinking. Consumer’s demand for alcohol and our culture’s acceptability of drunkenness are key issues to be dealt with.

“Alcohol misuse costs the NHS in England £2.7bn per year and the financial, social, physical and emotional impact of alcohol misuse is felt by everyone in society. We need to tackle the problem head-on and through a coordinated effort.”