Alcohol Policy UK

News & updates Feb 2012: MPs debate alcohol policy; Scotland's 45 minimum pricing impact revised

Alcohol strategy gets Westminster debate

A Westminster debate on alcohol policy and the forthcoming strategy has been highlighted by Alcohol Concern - see part 1 and part 2 of the debate which includes statements from MPs across the parties.

Public health Minister Anne Milton said the forthcoming national strategy included ambition to "remove a significant number of units of alcohol from the UK market through changes in how alcohol is produced and sold". See a Morning Advertiser (MA) report or the the Daily Mail's take. See recent news on lower strength drinks here.

After calling for the debate, Dr Sarah Wollaston, a Conservative MP who has previously called for tougher regulatory and pricing measures re-iterated the case for stronger action. An open letter from health groups has also asked MPs to support minimum pricing following Alcohol Concern's call on the public to push MPs to support it.

Scotland

The University of Sheffield have produced an updated review into the likely impacts of minimum pricing in Scotland (report here). It suggests a slightly smaller effect on consumption than first estimated, but would still be expected to save thousands of lives and millions of pounds. A minimum price of 45p per unit of alcohol would reduce consumption by 4.3% rather than the previously estimated 4.7%. See BBC and Guardian reports.

Controversy over whether the European Commission had given a supportive indication to the Scottish Health Secretary over the legality of minimum pricing within EU law is outlined in a BBC report.

A Scottish Government alcohol campaign is encouraging women to 'drop a glass size', warning of the risks of regular consumption, similar to England's recent Change4Life campaign. A ‘drinking time machine’ app is also part of the campaign.

Other news

Portman Group Chief Executive Henry Ashworth, Chair of the Responsibility Deal’s Alcohol Network (RDAN), has said the Responsibility Deal will suffer without health partners involvement - see MA story.

National Pubwatch has teamed up with drinks giant Diageo to launch an awards scheme to recognise responsible drinking - MA report. The introduction of the Late Night Levy could cost the industry as much as £25 million according to the Home Office consultation, the MA reports.

Liverpool may go for local minimum pricing, following in the footsteps of Manchester hoping to introduce it via local by-law changes. Ireland could also be going for minimum pricing according to the MA.

Home Office consultation on late night levy & restriction orders as trade warns of on-trade burden

The Home Office have opened a consultation on new powers due to be brought in under Licensing Act reforms. The consultation is seeking specific responses on the late night levy and Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMROs) as measures to help curb late night drinking problems. See the press release here. 

The consultation asks which types of premises should be covered by Early Morning Restriction Orders, a measure which will allow authorities to restrict the sale of alcohol to any time between midnight and 6am. It also ask which services a licensing authority may fund with the 30 per cent of levy revenue it will retain. The rest of the levy will go to funding police activity.

However BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds warned the Government against excessive action on the on-trade: “More and more alcohol is drunk at home, yet more and more red tape is heaped on pubs." Concern about the level of regulation being imposed on the pub trade were also raised during pubco debate in the House of Commons last week. 

Health Minister Anne Milton however defended Government action at an event in Parliament where brewers showcased a range of 2.8% ABV beers. Milton said “As a government we do not want to be killjoys but we do have some health problems. We do have a problem with alcohol but it is complicated." Milton said “We are supportive of the pub industry, we are supportive of people having a good time", and expressed hope that the forthcoming alcohol strategy will strike the right balance.

A list of Home Office factsheets on the full licensing changes due are available.

Report says alcohol enforcement laws are not fully used, but enforcement alone is not the solution

A new report explores whether UK laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol are 'fit for purpose' and are being effectively enforced. The report finds that many laws are not being fully utilised, although a variety of measures are still required to achieve alcohol harm reduction.

Download ‘Lost Orders?: Law Enforcement and Alcohol in England and Wales’ or download the Executive Summary.

The report, commissioned by the Portman Group, was authored by Dr Fiona Measham of Lancaster University and research consultant Dr Phil Hadfield. It finds that laws designed to tackle underage drinking are not being used to their maximum effect, and that enforcement is rarely actioned against consumers rather than suppliers.

In a press release, Dr Measham said that prosecuting individuals for offences such as underage drinking, proxy sales and the serving of alcohol to intoxicated persons were regarded as too expensive and time consuming to pursue. The findings appear to re-iterate past messages that the 2003 Licensing Act powers have not been fully utilised - 2009 Home Office alcohol guidance referenced evidence that crime and disorder had remained stable but powers were underused.

Dr Phil Hadfield said: “One of the main messages of our findings is that there seems little point in Government introducing new tough sounding measures to tackle alcohol-related harms in the community if these laws are not actually enforced in practice. The rush to introduce new legislation has occurred at the expense of ensuring that the laws we already have are being implemented and effectively used.”

The report emphasises the importance of partnership working, local innovation and a greater recognition of health priorities. It also highlights that "regulation works best when embedded within community focused multi-component programmes (MCPs) that encompass broader approaches to harm reduction". A comprehensive report on multi-component pogrammes to reduce alcohol-related harm was published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in 2007.

A factsheet on Alcohol, crime and disorder in the Night Time Economy was published last year, and a recent London event explored some current initiaives including Licensing reform.

Scotland ban on 'irresponsible promotions' as England introduce 'schooners'

New licensing laws came into force on 1st October 2011 for Scotland, including a mandatory challenge 25 scheme and a ban on irresponsible promotions. The changes are part of the Alcohol etc Scotland Act 2010 and are expected to be followed by plans for a minimum price.

However the changes have been attracting media attention as some retailers could change offers to apply to single drinks - for instance instead of three bottles of wine for £10 retailers may sell one bottle for £3.33. Tesco have reportedly advised Scottish customers that they can still benefit from cut-price deals if they shop online as it will be transported from England.

The Scottish Health Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon, expressed disappointment that some retailers would not be respecting the spirit of the law, but emphaised future plans for a minimum price. In the meantime, she believed the measures would still have some effect, stating: "...if somebody is going to buy one bottle of wine, as they intended to do when they went into the supermarket, instead of three bottles, that they are tempted to buy because it is on offer, then that is helping us reduce alcohol over-consumption."

The changes also pave the way for a social responsibilty levy, which aims to ensure retailers and licensed premises contribute to the wider cost of their activities on the community. Restrictions on the location of drinks promotions are also set out, and the Challenge 25 scheme means all licensed premises must have an age verification policy in place, including anyone appearing under the age of 25 being required to prove their age.

In England, a mandatory code was introduced last year to ban certain irresponsible promotions, such as banning ''all you can drink" deals. A new licensing amendment also came into force this month, allowing premises to now sell 'two-third' pint sizes, known as a 'schooner'. Some have suggested it may encourage responsible drinking, though bodies such as CAMRA have criticised it as unnecessary. Heineken have produced 500,000 branded schooner glasses for pubs across the country.

Alcohol fraud rising as illicit beer sales spike

Illicit beer now accounts for up to 14% of total UK sales according to HR Revenue and Customs figures (HMRC), reports the Morning Advertiser (MA).

The Treasury reportedly missed an estimated £800m in 2009/2010 from lost duty and VAT revenue. In 2008/2009, the figure was £550m, with illicit beer making up 10% of the market share. 

Earlier this month illegal alcohol worth more than £250,000 was seized at various locations in Glasgow. A BBC report said the alcohol was intended for export but had been diverted back to avoid paying duty. Earlier in the year reports of a rise in counterfeit alcohol production hit the news following a blast that killed 5 people in Boston.

The MA suggested that rising duty and the VAT increase at the start of the year is fuelling the rise in illegal imports of beer. See here for figures on the value of smuggled alcohol seized.

HMRC has a 'tackling alcohol fraud strategy' and has a Smuggling hotline (0800 59 5000) for fraud or smuggling reports.

Density of off-licenses linked to alcohol-related harm in young people

A report released by Alcohol Concern shows a link between the density of off-licensed premises and harm from alcohol in underage drinkers. The study found that overall, in areas with a higher concentration of off-licences there are higher numbers of young people ending up in hospital as a result of drinking.

Download One on every corner: the relationship between off-license density and alcohol harms in young people

The report found that excluding London, an England average of a 2:1 relationship exists between the number off-licences per 100,000 of population and hospital admissions by underage drinkers for alcohol specific admissions such as alcohol poisoning or intoxication. London has consistently lower levels of consumption amongst young people, most likely explained by the greater ethnic demographic mix.

The report argues that Government needs to introduce measures that reduce the general availability of alcohol by controlling off-licence density, warning that simply relying on better enforcement of underage sales may not be enough protection. Although in England councils can set up ‘saturation zones’ in local areas to restrict new licenses, licensees can appeal. Unlike Scotland, there is currently no public health objective on licensing in England.

Don Shenker, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, said:

“It is a failing of the current system that so many licences are being granted without due consideration to young people’s health... Local licensing committees are currently operating with one arm tied behind their backs. Current licensing legislation does not give licensing committees enough power to restrict high density of licensed premises. A new health objective should be included in the Licensing Act to enable local authorities to refuse new licenses in order reduce alcohol-related harm and protect young people."

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore of the Royal College of Physicians said “This research further underlines the need for a comprehensive alcohol strategy from the government, which tackles the affordability, promotion and the availability of alcohol.”

See reports from the Guardian, BBC and the Daily Mail.

See here for a Findings Bank analysis on a US review of limiting licensed premises density to curb alcohol-related harm. See here for an evaluation of Scotland's Licensing law and the public health objective.

News & updates July 2011: wine strength stronger than labelled; Licensing and industry news; Public Health reforms & PbR updates

Wine makers "systematically" understate the strengths of wines, according to a Guardian report. A study found that that 57% of the wines analysed were stronger than on the label; average ABV content was found at 13.6% but the average labelled strength was 13.1%. The analysis also revealed that strength of wine across the world has risen by almost once per cent in recent years.

Pricing, trade and industry

The Guardian explores the minimum pricing plans in Scotland and Greater Manchester. The Scottish National Party have vowed to make action on cheap alcohol a top priority, according to the Daily Record. An interim evaluation report into the 2005 Scottish Licensing Objectives has been published.

A free journal article from PLoS Editorial suggests the corporate alcohol interests get off lightly in an article 'Let's be straight up about the alcohol industry'. In contrast, a recent MA comment exploring the production and marketing of lower strength 4% lagers argues industry goals of maximising profits do not equate to maximising consumption.

New Licensing fees in England could add 13p to a pint say the ALMR. It claims the Police and Social Responsibility Bill could add an additional £100 million in costs as local authorities will be able to charge fees, although a cap on the late night levy is expected. The Church of England could pull its investments from supermarkets which fail to meet minimum alcohol standards reports The Mirror.

'Crunk Juce', a 12% abv energy drink that will ‘leave you wondering what happened’, is to be reviewed by the Portman Group's Independent Complaints Panel. Police in Southampton have linked Crunk Juce to violent incidents according to the The Metro. 

Health and treatment

An update from the Department of Health on the Public Health reforms has been released, including a time-line for operational developments. News on the alcohol Payment by Results (PbR) pilot sites is on the Alcohol Learning Centre. The pilot phase will run from July 2011 until the end of March 2012 to test nationally developed products including assessment tools and outcome measures.

Scotland meeting brief interventions targets, show ISD statistics. In 2010/11 there were 88,138 alcohol brief interventions delivered as part of the HEAT H4 target.

Alcohol damages the DNA of unborn children a new study has found, as reported in The Independent and Medical Research Council. Alcohol can worsen stress according to recent research, whilst binge drinking can reduce girl's memory skills a BBC report says.

A NICE chief has warned of risks with 'nudge' approaches to public health, GP UK reports. A similar caution was made by a BMJ article earlier in the year. A Guardian piece titled 'A society in need of rehab' reflects on the change in understanding of addiction following the recent death of Betty Ford.

Articles on 'teetotal' young people and celebrities have been in the news. The Independent published 'The rise of the teetotal generation', whilst The Guardian published a facetious piece titled 'Young, gifted and dry'. Figures have shown continued rises in the proportion of young people not drinking, but those who do drink are drinking more - see recent statistics report and a 2009 JRF report.

News & updates June 2011 pt 2: Alcopops most promoted drink; late night levy will be capped; young people and binge drinking risks

Pub, licensing and trade news

Supermarkets promote alcopops more than any other drink, reports the Telegraph. A survey found 47 per cent of alcopops had been on offer in the past year, compared to only 20 per cent of red wines and 10 per cent of after-dinner tipples such as port. The Health Secretary recently called on supermarkets to take further action on front of store sales as part of the controversial Responsibilty Deal.

Recent news from the Morning Advertiser (MA) includes a report on tensions between police and licensees in Yorkshire over an alleged “abuse” of power relating to closure orders. The issues are reported to be arising from a Home Office initiative known as the Alcohol Support Visits programme which includes police training and practical demonstrations through visiting licensed venues.

The Government plans a cap on the forthcoming late night levy to prevent councils charging excessively high fees. Peter Coulson proposes a separation of responsibility between alcohol licensing and public entertainment. New posts on the Politics of Drinking blog explore initiatives for pubs as libraries and a comment on the recent 1 million a year alcohol-related hospital admissions stats.

Another Tesco price glitch caused disarray with Security guards called upon to control shoppers after a computer error cuts cost of beers to £4 for 24 bottles. Budweiser has been named as the first US sponsor of the FA Cup in a three-year deal. Trading Standards in Swindon have been cracking down on counterfeit alcohol, including fake bottles of Jacobs Creek wine, reports the BBC. The WSTA is launching a fraud prevention unit to crackdown on fraud in the wine and spirits sectors.  

Other news and reports

Binge drinking damages young people's memory according to new research, the Telegraph reports. In another story, young people 'should avoid alcohol until 24'. See guidance and reports on alcohol and young people here. As alcohol-related hospital admissions rise to record levels, the experts stress it’s ordinary drinkers who may be risking their health, reports The Press and Journal UK.

In Ireland, supermarkets and off-licence sales now account for a third of all alcohol sales, reports the Irish Examiner.

'Under the influence: what we know about binge-drinking' interim report

An interim report on binge drinking has been released by Demos:

'Under the influence: what we know about binge-drinking'

By 'binge-drinking', the report refers not to the Government definition of drinking twice the recommended guidelines on one occasion, but as "young adults that drink to extreme excess, often in an intentionally reckless and very public way, putting themselves and others at risk of harm." The report analyses the causes of, and possible responses to, binge-drinking among young adults aged 18-25 in the UK, including:

Recommendations: interventions targeted at individuals

• Enforcement of existing laws relating to public disorder.
• GP consortia or local authorities should expand Alcohol Recovery Centres (‘booze-tanks’) and Alternative Response Vehicles (‘booze-buses’) across major cities in partnership with local police, and charge people who use these services.
• Doctors and members of ARC should employ brief interventions to talk to binge-drinkers about ways to limit their consumption.

Recommendations: nudges and environmental changes

• Local authorities should form local partnerships to identify trouble-spots and intervene to reduce harm and anti-social behaviour.
• High quality training for bar-staff.
• Enforcement of the 2010 bans on promotions that are designed to encourage irresponsible drinking.
• Retailers and government should consider introducing responsible advertising, display and sales practices in the off-licence trade.  

Recommendations: changing social norms

• Non-preachy social marketing campaigns.
• Government should consider issuing advice to parents on drinking in front of children.

The interim paper has been prepared as part of a wider Demos project analysing the underlying causes of binge-drinking; the final report will be released in June 2011.

Past reports on the subject include 'Binge Drinking: A Confused Concept and its Contemporary History', an IAS factsheet and Alcohol Concern factsheet.

News & updates Apr 2011 pt 2: Benefit claimaints under review; energy drinks and alcohol problems link; treatment services cuts survey; pubs and licensing news

Government focus on benefit claimants with drug and alcohol problems

The Prime Minister has spoken out on helping to move "trapped" incapacity benefit claimants with drug or alcohol problems into work. The Government plans to re-assess all people on incapacity benefit by 2014, including 42,360 people listed with 'alcoholism' and 37,480 with drug dependency. David Cameron denied they were stigmatising those with genuine problems and asked "...is it OK to leave these people on incapacity benefit, year after year, not examining their circumstances, not seeing if we can help them?". Alcohol Concern said more support was needed for dependent drinkers. See Drugscope's response and reports from the Daily Mail and a Channel 4 news fact check.

Energy drink use linked to alcohol dependence

A US study that found regular energy drink consumption is strongly associated with alcohol dependence has received significant media attention. The Telegraph reported energy drink combinations such as vodka and Redbull give a heightened feeling of intoxication whilst the Independent highlighted increased impulsivity. It also referenced a previous study that found a higher risk for injury and other alcohol-related consequences for those combining alcohol with energy drinks.

Drugscope survey on funding cuts to treatment services

DrugScope has relaunched its FundingWatch initiative to monitor the impact of changes in commissioning, funding and spending cuts affecting the sector. Complete the Fundingwatch survey here.

Pubs and licensing news

Controversy over the late night levy as revenue will not necessarily have to be used on extra policing for the night time economy, reports the Morning Advertiser. See here for Home Office factsheets on the late night levy, licensing act proposals and information on the Bill, plus recent Minister's answers on the proposals and authorities' powers to set fees.

Best Bar None (BBN) is becoming a "credible alternative" to regulation, according to BBN and BII chief executive Neil Robertson. Reportedly "abusive" licensing enforcement also according to the MA as plain-clothes police check up on problem pubs. Interesting comments from Carlsberg's Chief Executive urging pubs to focus on diversifying to keep up business rather than worrying about cheap supermarket sales.

An interesting insight into the pub world from Phil Mellows in a recent post From crisis to renewal: hopes for the history of the pub.

The European Drink Driving Forum is holding a one day conference next month in Brussels on the 19th May 2011.