The AGMA plan to force a minimum higher price for alcohol is fundamentally misconceived since it is an attempt by AGMA Authorities to cover up their own failures in regulating both the number of outlets which sell alcohol and how they conduct their business. Under current licensing regulations a Local Authority is only required to take account of representations made by "community representatives" .. which is interpreted narrowly by them as elected councillors only but takes no account of the views of magistrates, GPs, Headteachers etc.... who see at first hand the negative effects of alcohol overindulgence. This means that the views of the majority of any community are simply not heard. A proposal to set a minimum price per unit of alcohol penalises the responsible drinker in Greater Manchester and is plainly unworkable .. people will merely buy alcohol outside of the area and an increase in price will simply lead to an increased resumption of sales in black market smuggling from abroad. We believe that any proposal to set a minimum price per unit of alcohol should be subject to a local referendum so that all Greater Manchester residents can have their voice heard.

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