Shops and supermarkets to take strong drink off shelves
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Supermarkets and off-licences are joining forces with council officials to tackle street drinking by taking super-strength lager and cider off their shelves.
Shops including Tesco, Waitrose, Budgens, Londis and Threshers have agreed to stop selling Carlsberg Special Brew, Tennent's Extra and Diamond White in an attempt to deter street drinkers and combat associated problems such as begging and drug dealing. The initiative by Westminster City Council in central London could be copied elsewhere.
"We should be treating the sale of alcohol in the same way we treat tobacco – with all the relevant pricing restraints and health warnings," said Sir Simon Milton, leader of Westminster council, and chairman of the Local Government Association. "The Government needs to get a proper handle on this and come up with a robust national policy to deal with what is a rapidly growing problem."
In addition to the voluntary restrictions on the sale of strong lagers and ciders, the council is using dispersal zones to stop people gathering in public places. It is enforcing a borough-wide controlled-drinking zone and confiscating alcohol from street drinkers.
To have your say on this or any other issue visit www.independent.co.uk/IoSblogs
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments