In what seems like perfect common sense, CAMRA has suggested that a lower strength beer could be favourably taxed to encourage more social drinking.   Alcohol Concern Chief Executive Don Shenker has said that it is to be encouraged as it will help drinkers stick to sensible guidelines.

Well there doesn't seem to be a lot to add other than "here, here!".   There are several beers brewed at 3.0 to 3.5% alcohol that are really lovely.   Badger Harvester's Aleⁱ - in a bottle in several supermarkets - is at 2.8% and is a perfectly reasonable ale.

My concern is that the kind of knuckle-dragger who wants to get pissed up & cause trouble will stick to Wife-Beater or whatever is fashionably strong that week & still go out on the rampage at closing time.   Mostly, the kind of person who will welcome this effort will be a sensible drinker already - my Dad & his mates love a particular pub in the West Midlands with around 12 real ales, but do complain that all the beers are close to 5%.   If several thousand people downshift to these products however, it will have a beneficial heath effect I suppose, so again: I do support it.