Bargain Booze?
Alcohol has never been cheaper. Consumption is on the rise as are alcohol-related deaths and illnesses. As Scotland prepares to introduce minimum pricing of alcohol, should Wales follow suit and call time on cheap booze?
Last updated: 23 November 2009
This week marks the fourth anniversary of 24-hour licensing in Wales.
Relaxed licensing laws were aimed at reforming our drinking culture, but some experts believe the move has simply fuelled alcohol abuse by enabling people to drink more, for longer.
And they warn that the growing availability of cheap alcohol in shops and pubs through cut-price promotions is contributing to the increasing consumption of alcohol and its associated problems.
Now the Wales Assembly Government is being urged to copy Scotland which is preparing to legislate to set a minimum price for alcohol and to limit promotions like Happy Hours.
While the Assembly currently has no powers to legislate on this issue, ministers have visited Scotland to discuss the proposals.
Tonight's programme hears from one woman battling alcoholism, who admits that price and availability are fuelling her addiction.
Campaigners for minimum price and other restrictions on retailers and a publican struggling to compete with retailers to stay afloat also have their say.
And the programme also hears from the retail trade, which disputes claims of irresponsibility and maintains that education and awareness are the key to combating Wales' alcohol problems.
Bookmark this page:
Updates Archive
From July 2012 we're moving all our content and 'Updates' pages, with information on the programme, to . For a time while we make the transition, you'll still be able to access an archive of previous programme updates here.
More from 91Èȱ¬ Wales
Listen online
A new look for 91Èȱ¬ Radio online: listen live on your computer - and now on your smartphone.