27.11.12
While minimum unit pricing remains a controversial issue, one possible positive outcome could be that landlords and managers receive more funds for essential investment such as new pub furniture.
The Home Office's recently published Consultation Document on alcohol strategy notes that beer duty receipts to the government would actually fall by an estimated £200 million with a minimum unit price of 45p in place.
Responsible drinkers would be expected to pay an average of just £7 more per year for their alcohol, 'hazardous' drinkers would have to pay £49 more to maintain their current drinking levels, and 'harmful' drinkers would face a £118 increase in cost.
However, businesses are predicted to receive over £1 billion in extra revenues if the move goes ahead.
The BBPA has expressed limited support for the idea, saying: "We strongly believe that alcohol should be priced in a way that is socially responsible."
For publicans, a £1 billion increase in collective incomes would likely be welcomed following several years of elevated beer duty eating into revenues.
If minimum unit pricing were to have the desired effect on antisocial behaviour, those extra earnings could be put to good use replacing any old and broken pub furniture, with greater confidence of no new damage being suffered in the near future.