(a)[3]
- What overall trend is shown by UK real expenditure on alcohol bought in shops for off-premises consumption between 2008 quarter 1 and 2012 quarter 2? [1]
- Explain how a change in one demand factor may have led to the change in weekly alcohol consumption for the ‘average for all age groups’ shown in Table 1. [2]
(b)[3]
- Identify the age group that has shown the greatest change in average weekly alcohol consumption from 2006 to 2010. [1]
- For the age group you have identified, explain one possible economic reason for the change in its average weekly alcohol consumption compared with the other age groups. [2]
(c)[4]
If the minimum price per unit were set at 50 pence rather than 45 pence, explain, with the aid of a diagram, how the higher price would affect consumer surplus in this market.
(d)[4]
Explain, with reference to the data, how crime and hospital admissions arising from excessive alcohol consumption contribute to social costs.
(e)[6]
Discuss whether the problems linked to excessive alcohol consumption are better tackled through a minimum price per unit for alcohol rather than through an education campaign.