Norwich cheap booze under fire

David BaleThe availability of cheap alcohol and irresponsible drinks promotions in Norwich will be discussed at a full council meeting tonight.David Bale

The availability of cheap alcohol and irresponsible drinks promotions in Norwich will be discussed at a full council meeting tonight.

Norwich City Council's Liberal Democrat councillor for Eaton, Judith Lubbock, has tabled a motion calling on councils to investigate measures to address the problems caused by cheap booze, and to back a national minimum price for alcohol to outlaw drinks being sold below a certain price.

The meeting at City Hall comes at a time of national debate over how to tackle irresponsible alcohol promotions, and following a report by MPs endorsing a minimum price for alcohol.

Mrs Lubbock said: 'Every weekend, and often during the week as well, we see the impact of alcohol abuse on our city streets and in our parks.

'Many residents feel that areas around Prince of Wales Road and the city centre have become no-go zones in the evening, and that's completely unacceptable.

'There's no doubt that many of the problems are caused by excessive amounts of cheap alcohol consumed in large quantities early in the evening. A minimum price for alcohol would stop supermarkets and other retailers selling off booze as a loss-leader as part of the intense competition between retailers.'

The Evening News has, through our Love Your Local campaign, been highlighting the need for people to support their local pubs or risk them closing for good.

To see previous stories from our campaign log on to www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal.