Alcohol has almost halved in cost in real terms since 1980 with respect to inflation - it's far too cheap now - I feel a bit sorry for the pubs closing down - but that's mainly due to cheap supermarket booze and the larger pub chains which has all encouraged binge drinking over the past 20 years or so. I suppose in some ways the government isn't bothered about all the early deaths from liver disease, suicides due to alcohol related depression and mental illnesses, violence, etc - it will save money on the state pension bill in future years! More interested about lining the pockets of their mates in the brewing industry.