Here's some Keynesian economics combined with some sociology for you.
It seems David Cameron is looking to lend his support to a campaign to charge a minimum price for a unit of alcohol. While the economics of this are still open to discussion. Here's another way of approaching the problem of 'binge-drinking' which has been getting the Tories hot under the collar.
Lets introduce a minimum price for alcohol sold in the supermarkets. Let's raise the costs of crates of lager promoted as loss-leaders by the big chains - but let's reduce the price of alcohol sold in pubs!
This has four effects
1) it encourages people to drink in safe environments (ie pubs) and discourages people form sitting at home drinking. In a pub, the measures are controlled so you know exactly where you are and what you are drinking. (at home you do not - and it is quite easy to get through a whole bottle of wine in two or three glasses)
2) It encourages social drinking rather than anti-social drinking - younger people can mix with older people and vice verse
3) It generates income for the pubs which in term provides jobs and employment through the Keynesian multiplier effect. According to the British Beer and Pub Association 2,377 premises have closed in the last year with the loss of 24,000 jobs.
4) If the price of alcohol in supermarkets goes up and the price of alcohol in the pubs comes down - there will be a net positive taxation effect.
More employment, less binge drinking and a more balanced society - what's not to like?
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