Paul Wilson has seen people in their 20s and 30s die from alcohol abuse.

That is why the consultant gastroenterologist from Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham believes the banning of cheap alcohol is a good thing.

Paul believes that we need to target young people in particular for two main reasons:

• young livers are most sensitive to the effects of excess alcohol intake
• research suggests that habits of sensible drinking reinforced early often stay with that person over a lifetime.

According to Paul, sitting back and doing nothing about ‘booze Britain’ is simply not an option. 

He says: "Young people quite often have less disposable income than older people because, in the majority of cases, they are in full time education. The minimum price of alcohol may limit alcohol intake by these groups. Setting a minimum price per unit helps send a message about excess alcohol intake.

"Minimum alcohol pricing is one of the strategies, along with others, that need to be implemented in an attempt to impact on the ever spiralling short term and long term consequences of alcohol abuse."

What are your thoughts on this subject?  Would an increase in the price of alcohol alter the amount you buy?

Due for review February 2013