CEREDIGION councillors have backed plans to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol to stop people drinking too much.

The council’s Consultation Panel were in favour of proposals by the Welsh Government which could see the minimum price of alcohol set at 50p a unit.

Councillors on the licensing committee also supported the proposal, insisting it would help cut consumption and lead to a reduction in ill-health problems and anti-social behaviour.

The response, on behalf of the council, completed by the council’s consumer services manager, David Lloyd Roberts, has been sent to the Welsh Government and says: “There is clear evidence to show that consumption of alcohol is price sensitive.

“Increasing the price reduces consumption. The public health consequences of over consumption are well documented as are the costs to society (alcoholism), industry (lost or unproductive time) and the public purse (health, social care and anti-social behaviour).

“Ceredigion Council supports the Government’s wider health agenda and contributes to it in many ways.”

One of the main advantages the council foresees in a minimum unit price is that it could change the relationship young people have with alcohol.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops now or online by clicking the Digital Editions tab at the top of the page