Re: '...targeting the price would help cut down on the unsafe levels of consumption.'
I do worry that it's a sign of mental health issues. I'll put my hand up and say that I've used it as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety in the past. Price goes up? Fuck it - I'm drinking it anyway because it's the thing that numbs me against the daily pressures.
Then there are the actual alcoholics who'll find a way to get their booze, whatever it takes. It's a real eye-opener having an alcoholic (addict, rather than heavy-drinker) describe the lengths they'll go to to acquire a drink.
I'd be interested in seeing relative charts of alcohol consumption vs affluence vs mental health across the UK.
Sod it, it's Friday. I'm pretty-much coasting and doing maintenance jobs today because our customers are almost all on holiday, and I'll be having a nice wee tipple of wine tonight regardless of the monetary cost.