Welsh leader calls for higher alcohol tax

Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan has called for higher taxes on alcohol.

The leader of the Welsh Assembly also wants tougher rules on drinks promotions and a lower drink-drive limit as part of a 10-year strategy to tackle problem drinking in the principality.

Morgan said the death toll from drink was worse than the infamous St Valentine's Day massacre in Prohibition Era in Chicago where seven people died, as 24 people a day in the UK die from the direct or indirect affects of alcohol abuse.

The proposals specifically call for higher taxation on cider and state the "inappropriate and irresponsible sale of alcohol" needed to be tackled.

However the Welsh Assembly does not have the power to raise taxes and has limited powers to legislate on other parts of the proposed strategy.

Ministers have signalled that they will look to increase the power of Welsh licensing authorities to help implement the strategy.

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By Christopher Walton

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