Alcohol Policy UK

Events and updates: Alcohol Research UK 72nd symposium & studentships; rolling out brief inteventions in Scotland; last call for New Directions 2012 bursary; Adfam family survey; MA in Comparative Drug and Alcohol studies

Forthcoming events

The 72nd Alcohol Problems Research Symposium is calling for abstracts or other presentation suggestions for the Spring 2012 meeting to take place Stonecross Manor Hotel in Cumbria on the 14th and 15th March. The meeting is part of a long-running series of friendly events in which Alcohol Research UK is helping to organise with Professor Moira Plant, Emerita Professor of Alcohol Studies at the University of the West of England. See here for more information.

Alcohol Research UK have also opened the annual Studentship Scheme. The deadline for the academic year 2012/13 is 10th May 2012. See here for full details.

On Tuesday 27th March 2012, Edinburgh Cyrenians will be holding a one day conference at Murrayfield Stadium: Can Brief Interventions change Scotland's relationship with alcohol? Developing the model for community settings. The event will offer practical support on introducing alcohol brief interventions to new settings and provide opportunities to discuss and share experiences in workshop sessions. For more information see here or contact jenny@cyrenians.org.uk 0131 475 2354.

The New Directions in the Study of Alcohol Group (NDSAG) 2012 conference, exploring '21 years of experience and the future for motivational interviewing' takes place from Thursday 24th May 2012 to Sunday 27th May 2012, in Llandindrod Wells, Wales. The conference will include a keynote from Professor Stephen Rollnick. Submissions for the The Ron McKechnie Prize close this Sunday 29th Feb!

A free workshop on working with 'Frequent Fliers', those with the highest levels of alcohol-related hospital admissions takes place Friday, 23rd March 2012, London. See here for the flyer.  

Further updates:

The Charity Adfam is conducting a short survey for family members affected by problem alcohol use. If you are a family member please complete the short anonymous survey. If you are a practitioner who works with family members please pass the link on: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JCDS9LR

Middlesex University has opened a new MA course Comparative Drug and Alcohol Studies. It is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of drugs and alcohol issues, policies and interventions within a comparative context. It is relevant to policy makers and practitioners, and to students and researchers associated with the drug and alcohol field. Full info here.

News & updates Dec 2011: Scotland's multi-buy ban 'working'; minimum pricing; British Liver Trust's anger over policy; 313 DBOs so far; 'Dry bars' and 'Booze Buses'

Scotland's ban on multi-buy deals has reduced sales according to figures from retail analysts Nielsen. Sales of wine fell 5%, spirits by 3% and beer by 8% during the first eight weeks of the ban compared to 2010. See reports from the BBC and the Herald. The ban was introduced as part of The Alcohol Scotland Act which introduced new licensing laws from 1st October 2011. Measures also include a ban of multi-buy deals, alcohol advertising restrictions, Challenge 25 scheme, and a new tax on some licence holders.

Minimum pricing, also on the cards for Scotland, is explored in a recent Economist feature 'The battle of the booze', which suggest legal challenges could await both national efforts in Scotland or local approaches in England. Scottish industry figures have been speaking out on minimum pricing as 'certainly misguided, and most probably illegal'. But the Scottish Government have said its "probably not illegal", though can only be truly tested in court once enacted.

Meanwhile a national summit to build support for minimum pricing in England will take place at Manchester town hall next year. The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) are drafting a bylaw to stop the sale of alcohol below 50p a unit in local shops and businesses, but want to build a 'coalition of support' for a national approach.

Trade leaders have continued to call for a cut in VAT and also called for production costs to be included in the forthcoming 'below cost ban', which the IFS recently desribed as likely to only impact 1% of off-license units. However the IFS also advised lobbying on EU legislation to allow the re-structuring of alcohol taxation over minimum pricing.

England's Government-led policies on alcohol and public health have been branded 'a joke' by the British Liver Trust. Commenting on figures showing a 74% rise in liver cancer deaths since 1997, Chief Executive Andrew Langford said there are only "weak policies or no action at all... Almost all liver disease is preventable yet we are met with a sheer resistance to tackle it." Liver disease is the only health problem out of "the big five" - cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory and cancers - showing an increasing trend. Alison Rogers, before leaving the British Liver Trust, also spoke out saying the Responsibility Deal was "fundamental conflict of interest".

The Home Office has reported 313 Drinking Banning Orders (DBOs) have been issued on conviction since they became available to local authorities last year - see MA report. DBOs can be put in place to stop an individual convicted on an alcohol-related offence from entering licensed premises or ban them from entering pubs in a specific area. See Home Office DBO pages for more.

Five men behind a counterfeit vodka manufacturing and bottling plant in Leicestershire were sentenced to 17 years reports the MA. One in 5 off-licenses were thought to be selling counterfeit alcohol a Staffordshire sting found. Suspected criminals were arrested after they were tricked by police who lured them in with a hoax offer of free beer - The Guardian.

Liverpool's first dry bar has opened reports the Guardian. Owners say 'Brink' is a social enterprise which actively promotes itself as a 'dry bar', not simply a cafe, and will appeal to people in recovery or simply those that want to avoid the "testosterone, drunk and drug-fuelled club and bar scene". 'Violence, abuse and vomit' was the headline for a night with the 'booze bus' medics in a recent Observer feature. 

Scotland's minimum pricing plans outlined

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has outlined its plans to introduce a minimum price per unit of alcohol. The Minimum Pricing Bill has not yet set out the proposed price but has commissioned further work by the University of Sheffield to model its likely impact. The SNP's previous attempt at a 45 pence minimum price was blocked by opposition parties when the SNP had a smaller majority.  

The Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon said: 

"We have had a wide ranging debate on alcohol pricing and there is now widespread recognition across the country of the need to tackle pricing... By setting a minimum price for a unit of alcohol, we can raise the price of the cheap supermarket white ciders, lager and value spirits sought out by problem drinkers."

The Government say the cost of alcohol consumption in Scotland is estimated to cost £3.56 billion each year, equivalent to £900 for every adult. Sturgeon said a minimum price was "not a magic bullet", but believes it will save hundreds of lives and millions of pounds over a number of years. The SNP has produced information on the effects of minimum pricing on common drinks and highlighted wide support from health groups.

But certain industry and retail bodies continued to speak out against the proposals, claiming they would breach EU competition law, increase illegal activity or trigger cross-border shopping. Opponents also repeated claims that a minimum price "would punish the responsible majority" - a line a health select committe report has said was a deliberate manipulation of the public's interpretation of the measure.

Speaking to the BBC, Sturgeon rejected claims that minimum pricing would affect responsible drinkers. She said the SNP were not "anti-alcohol", but it was wrong that a teenager could buy a potentially fatal amount of alcohol for less than £5. Brewer and trade body Greene King have also supported the move in expectation that it would help pubs who have lost out to cheap supermarket sales. See a selection of responses for and against the proposals here.

See further news reports including a BBC analysis, a Q&A on the proposals, and BBC news feature.

In England a minimum price is not supported by the Coalition Government who have emphasised voluntary action through the Responsibility Deal, but have committed to a 'below cost ban'. However the ban is not expected to affect prices under a 'Duty + VAT' definition of cost - ASDA who claimed to not to sell at below 'cost' recently came under fire for selling Budweiser at around 16 pence per unit. Manchester is attempting to bring in a regional minimum price via a local bye-law.

Scotland's Alcohol and Offenders Criminal Justice Research Programme: prison health needs and brief interventions reports

The Alcohol and Offenders Criminal Justice Research Programme is a portfolio of three studies led by NHS Health Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government (2009-2011). The overarching aim is to understand better the extent and nature of alcohol problems in offenders and which effective interventions can address them, recognising that the criminal justice setting is an opportunity to detect and intervene in an often ‘hard to reach’ population. 

This year the research programme has released 3 reports:

• Prison health needs assessment for alcohol problems
• Interventions for offenders with alcohol problems in community justice settings
• Delivery of alcohol brief interventions in the criminal justice system: evaluation of a pilot project 

In England the Alcohol Learning Centre hosts Offender Health pages, including links to the Offender Health IBA pilot.

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.

Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy (MESAS)

An updated analysis of data on alcohol sales and price in Scotland and England & Wales has been released as part of the evaluation of Scotland's alcohol strategy.

The analysis explores alcohol sales data to profile drinks sold at relatively lower prices, reflecting the Scottish Government's intentions over minimum pricing. In 2009 the University of Sheffield modeled the potential impact of minimum pricing for Scotland, now outlined as a key Government priority.

The analysis includes trends in per adult consumption estimates based on alcohol sales data for 1994-2009 and summary information regarding the price at which off-trade alcohol was sold. The briefing paper includes information highlighting:

• Retail sales data indicate that in 2010, 11.8L of pure alcohol were sold per adult in Scotland (22.8 units per adult per week) compared with 10.7L in 1994, an increase of 11%. Most of this increase occurred between 1994 and 2005, with a broadly stable trend thereafter.
• In England & Wales, per adult sales increased from 9.6L in 1994 to a peak of 10.5L in 2005, decreasing slightly each year thereafter to 9.6L in 2010 (18.5 units per adult per week)
• In Scotland, on-trade sales of pure alcohol decreased by 28% from 5.5L in 1994 to 3.9L in 2010, whereas off-trade sales increased by 52% over the same time period, from 5.2L in 1994 to 7.9L in 2010. It is estimated that about two-thirds (67%) of all pure alcohol sold in Scotland in 2010 was sold through the off-trade.
• The decline in on-trade sales of pure alcohol per adult in Scotland between 1994 and 2010 was driven by a 35% decline in on-trade beer sales (from 3.2L to 2.1L); the upward trend in off-trade sales per adult was driven by a more than twofold increase in off-trade wine sales (from 1.0L to 2.6L).
• Higher off-trade sales were common across the entire price distribution in Scotland and across most drink types. However, this was particularly marked in the 30-44.9ppu range and for spirits, especially vodka.

See the Scottish Government's alcohol page and NHS Health Scotland alcohol page.

News and updates Sep 2011: Scotland sets sights on minimum pricing as Lansley praises industry

The Scottish Government has set out its 2011-2012 programme, including a bill to introduce minimum pricing as a condition of licences granted under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 - see reports from the Financial Times and Scotsman. The Scottish National Party (SNP) now have a significant majority which may turn the tables after their previous attempt at a 45 pence minimum price was blocked by opposition parties. However industry bodies are expected to oppose the move by referring it to the EU courts as a breach of competition law.

Challenge 25 becomes a mandatory condition for all of Scotland’s licensed premises on 1 October 2011 under the terms of the 2010 Alcohol Bill. The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has launched a new Challenge 25 initiative to ensure pubs comply with new proof-of-age regulations coming into force next month.

However part of the Alcohol Bill may backfire on restricting off-sale promotions until minimum pricing is introduced. According to the Daily Express, rules to restrict irresponsible promotions may see premises lowering some prices as a result of changing multi-buy offers to apply to single drinks. Majestic Wines chief executive Steve Lewis stated: “To ensure we still offer the best prices we are converting our multi-buy prices to single bottle prices.”

In England, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley praised the industry at the annual Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WTSA) conference this week, reports the Morning Advertiser (MA). Lansley praised progress made with 110 alcohol companies signed up to the Responsibility Deal, but called on others to join. Lansley reiterated that regulation should be a last resort and the Government would not be seeking a minimum price, but cited the below cost ban. 

However medical experts have continued to speak out against the "obscenely low" price of alcohol, the Guardian reports. Doctors in the North East also wrote to express support for the recent private members Bill to restrict alcohol advertising to children and young people. Also in the news, more drinkers are turning away form the pub to cheaper supermarket drinks reports the Daily Mail, whilst middle class Britons drinking too much says the Daily Telegraph.

In other news, Heineken will launch a 'schooner' reports the MA and Telegraph - under new regulations coming into force on 1 October in England, pubs will be able to sell draught beer and cider in two-thirds glasses. 40 MPs will work bar shifts to learn more about the pressures facing the trade, whilst the Treasury says it will examine the case for a VAT cut for the hospitality sector.

Implementation of brief interventions evaluated in Scotland

An evaluation to assess the implementation of NHS delivered alcohol brief interventions in Scotland has been released. NHS Health Scotland had a target to deliver 149,449 brief interventions across three priority settings of primary care, Accident & Emergency (A&E) and antenatal care between 2008-2011. The programme is currently within a one year extension.

According to the evaluation abstract:

The evaluation found a considerable degree of variation across Scotland in organisational structures and models of delivery. However, a number of common features were also identified. Those which appeared to support implementation included: the availability of funding; nationally co-ordinated and locally supported training opportunities; and national, health board and setting level ‘leaders’ able to support and encourage implementation.

Perceived barriers included: the lack of ‘lead in’ time to set up organisational structures; competing priorities; an initial lack of adequately trained staff and difficulties maintaining trained staff levels; and problems associated with the mechanisms for recording delivery. These within-setting and across-board differences and difficulties in recording ABI delivery made it difficult to accurately determine or compare who the programme was reaching. Nonetheless, by March 2011 most boards had met, if not exceeded, the three-year target.

In England, Primary Care brief interventions (also known as 'Identification and Brief Advice') are incentivised through a Direct Enhanced Service (DES), though there is no national target. See here for DES guidance.

News & updates May 2011: SNP victory puts minimum pricing back on map; Irish barmen aquitted of manslaughter; Mayor backs local banning approach

Minimum pricing is back on the agenda in Scotland following the SNP's election as a majority Government. A report in The Scotsman suggested it could be brought in within a year as the SNP Manifesto identified it as a priority, but also wants to 'build a coalition of support' in Parliament. Whilst the move is backed by health interests and some on trade groups, the the Scotch Whisky Association has warned against the longer term impact.

In Ireland, two barmen have been found not guilty after facing charges of manslaughter for the death of a man they had been serving. In other news, nearly 70,000 crimes a year are directly linked to alcohol, says the Irish Examiner based on statistics from the CSO. A journal piece in Alcohol & Alcoholism asks whether rising alcoholic liver disease in Ireland can be linked to consumption. Cuts to alcohol services have also made the news.

London Mayor Boris Johnson has backed a scheme in Romford targeting nuisance and under-age drinkers in the town centre. According to a London 24 report, teenagers caught attempting to use fake ID will be banned from the town’s pubs and clubs. Those under the influence of alcohol in the streets will be given ‘yellow cards’ and given temporary bans from the town centre.

In other news, industry leaders have opposed the recent proposal of an alcohol minister.

Scottish alcohol policy heats up as election approaches; Irish Republic sees first 'liquor liabilty' trial

The Scottish BMA has called upon political parties to outline how they will tackle alcohol misuse in the next Scottish Parliament as the May 5th election looms. In a press release, the BMA released figures from a survey that indicated alcohol was a factor in 5,500 GP attendances in one day. The BMA said it equated to 1.4 million consultations per year at an annual cost to the NHS in excess of £28 million.

A BBC report highlighted that alcohol-related admissions had peaked in 2007/8 and were now trending down. But statistician Professor Sheila Bird, from the Medical Research Council referred to the lag effect for harmful drinking to present as an admission, stating "the numbers of inpatients and deaths now could be a reflection of attitudes to alcohol in the 80s and 90s."

Alcohol policy has again been a key Scottish election issue, with parties continuing to clash over minimum pricing. Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS) recently released a Manifesto making 8 calls to action for the next Scottish Parliament including pricing measures, sponsorship curbs and improved treatment. The Scottish National Party (SNP) would revive plans for a minimum price if re-elected, but the policy remains largely opposed by the other major parties.

Two barmen from the Irish Republic are due to go on trial for the manslaughter of a British man who died from acute alcohol intoxication, reports the BBC. It is the first case of its kind under the liquor liability laws in Ireland. In England it is an offence to 'knowingly sell or attempt to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk' but is punishable by a fine only.