Alcohol Policy UK

Alcohol Policy UK: a message to our readers

A message from the Editor concerning Alcohol Policy UK/The Alcohol Academy:

Dear readers,

Regular followers of Alcohol Policy UK will have been aware that over the last year or so, updates to the blog have been far less frequent. Below I set out to provide an update as to why and offer some background and reflections.

Alcohol Policy UK was set up in 2005 to share relevant news and information for those working within, or broadly supporting, alcohol harm reduction. In 2009, the Alcohol Academy was set up as a small social enterprise to support skills development and information sharing via workshops, seminars, briefings and other resources. The Academy received a number of grants to support these activities first from the Alcohol Education Research Council (AERC), then Alcohol Research UK (now Alcohol Change UK). The last of these agreements ran from 2015 - 2018. The Academy also operated as a social enterprise, delivering a range of training and consultancy projects, with any profits re-invested back into sustaining its activities. This year the Academy was formally closed as an operating social enterprise.

Alcohol Policy UK was included as a part of the Academy's activities, proving a popular and accessible source of independent information and analysis. Since, 2006, the blog has published over 2,100 posts covering a range of alcohol-related news, policy and other developments. These have generated close to a total of 1.5 million page views and despite less frequent posting, the archive of posts currently gets regular traffic of around several hundred hits a day.

What next?

Without dedicated funding support I have been unable to regularly update the blog, but I intend to update it with key news and developments as much as possible. I have also had a change of career and now have a full time position as a Research Fellow for the Centre for Addictive Behaviour Research at London South Bank University. I am also now producing The Alcohol 'Problem' Podcast, which aims to explore alcohol problems through a range of academic and lived experience perspectives.

In terms of continuing to follow alcohol-related news and updates, as you are likely aware, all of the recognised alcohol charities now have mailing lists and social media accounts, but you may still wish to stay subscribed to occasional Alcohol Policy UK updates and/or its Twitter account.

I would like to thank all our readers, supporters and guest post contributors, and wish you all the best.

James Morris

PHE data shows rise in alcohol-specific deaths since COVID-19 pandemic

Public Health England (PHE) has published new data on trends in alcohol consumption and harm since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. PHE report an increase in total alcohol-specific deaths, driven by an increase in alcoholic liver disease deaths above levels seen pre-pandemic. See PHE press release.

Comparing March 2020 and March 2021, there was a 58.6% increase of people reporting that they are drinking at increasing and higher-risk levels (50 units a week for men, 35 units a week for women). As such, surveys and other data has generally identified that despite most people drinking the same or less since the pandemic, those with pre-existing alcohol use disorders are more likely to be drinking more. This has been linked to increases in factors such as mental health problems or stress.

Adopting “moderate drinking”: challenges and ways forward

In this guest post, Dr Samanthika Gallage, an Assistant Professor in Marketing at Nottingham University Business School discusses recent research exploring the experiences of young people seeking to moderate or abstain from alcohol use.

In public discourse, moderate drinking is commonly used to describe drinking behaviour that is not regarded as ‘excessive’ or ‘binging’. While the term itself has no clear definition, it is often considered synonymous with terms such as ‘responsible’ or ‘sensible drinking’.

Again, whilst not clearly defined or used in public health, the idea of ‘responsible drinking’ may be seen as drinking which is not harmful to oneself or others, or in some cases, as following the recommend drinking guidelines. However, some argue that it is precisely because of the unspecified nature of responsible drinking, and its emphasis on personal responsibility, that industry affiliated groups often favour such terms.

'Open arms': new report explores the role of pubs in tackling loneliness

A new report by Dr Thomas Thurnell-Read, Loughborough University, explores pubs as a source of social and community resources: 

'Pubs, and their publicans, are a key part of our community infrastructure alongside libraries, cafes, shops and community centres. Given their role we wanted to build our understanding of how pubs can use their place in our social life to tackle loneliness. This research was undertaken prior to the Covid-19 pandemic hitting the UK. With vulnerable people shielding, people losing loved ones, isolation and feelings of loneliness have impacted many more (young and old) people as a result of the Covid crisis. At the same time, pubs, as the natural hub of local communities in bringing people together, have been closed for the majority of the pandemic. Within this context, the report and its findings highlight why tackling loneliness is more relevant than ever.'

IAS Alert November 2020: home drinking, duty calls, FASD

The latest Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) Alcohol Alert: November 2020 includes:

• Lockdown: home drinking becomes the new normal
• Reformed duty system would improve MUP’s effectiveness
• Alcohol prices are ‘small change’ to drinkers, survey finds
• SHAAP manifesto calls for total ban on alcohol advertising
• Online event on alcohol policy and nudge theory
• FASD: Invisible, Not Inconsequential

Minimum pricing: Scottish deaths fall, IFS call for additional duty measures

Further evidence pointing to the positive impact of minimum unit pricing (MUP) in Scotland has been released via latest figures for alcohol-related deaths.

The figures show there were 1,020 alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland in 2019, 10% fewer than in 2018 and the lowest annual total since 2013. The release reports 2019 is the first substantial decrease in recent years, after a period of general increase since 2012.

'Cautious optimism'

In a blog for Alcohol Focus Scotland, Colin Angus from the Sheffield Alcohol Research Group explores the data urging cautious optimism given what is still relatively early days. Notably, alcohol-specific deaths mainly account for deaths as a direct cause of drinking, with around two thirds being due to alcohol-related liver disease. However, alcohol is implicated in many other deaths - estimated at 3,177 in Scotland in 2019 - which are harder to measure precisely and tend to manifest over longer periods of time. The blog cites, for example, that "in the most extreme case, a heavy drinker who cuts down their alcohol intake in 2019 won’t expect to see a reduction in their cancer risk for a decade, and the full benefit won’t be felt until 2039".

Nonetheless, previous data has shown reductions in consumption following MUP's introduction, with both these and the latest death figures largely consistent with the modelled impacts. Of course many questions remain about the complexity of the policy and variations across groups, and of course what effect the COVID-19 pandemic will be. Notably, MUP targets heavier drinkers, but surveys point to increases in consumption amongst some heavier drinkers, whilst many lower risk drinker's consumption has remained stable or decreased. As such, comparisons in changes between Scotland and England, where MUP is yet to be introduced, are likely to remain crucial in the evaluation.

Meanwhile, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) have released a new briefing on MUP which is broadly supportive, but argues that reforms to the tax system are crucial. Indeed many MUP advocates have long argued that the much criticised alcohol duty system needs changes, whilst in recent years duty changes in the budget have gone against the wishes of public health groups. Indeed, key alcohol groups have been consistently calling for duty reforms that account for public health impacts. The government is currently reviewing the system following the Conservative's 2019 manifesto pledge.

Renewed calls for alcohol pricing tax policy as 14 units available 'for the price of a coffee'

The Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) have released a new report again calling for policy measures to be taken to address the availability of cheap alcohol. The AHA say it is possible to drink the low risk weekly guideline of 14 units for just £2.68 – about the price of a cup of coffee in many high street chains.

• Cider is the cheapest available product in England and is being sold for as little as 19p per unit of alcohol, meaning that consumers can reach the weekly low-risk drinking guideline of 14 units of alcohol for just £2.68.
• One bottle of the cheapest cider contains more alcohol than eight pints of beer – and costs 8p less than a single pint in a pub.
• For the price of a standard cinema ticket (£7.11), you could buy two bottles of wine, containing 19.5 units, and have 13p change leftover.
• A 1-litre bottle of vodka, which contains 37.5 units, is cheaper than a large pizza at Domino’s (£14.99).

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, said:

“The low price of high strength alcohol continues to cause colossal damage to the health of our nation. Alcohol is linked to 80 deaths in the UK every day, as well as seven types of cancer and stroke.

“To tackle the harm alcohol causes, we need to urgently address its price. Alcohol duty is currently too low to cover the costs of alcohol harm to our society. Public Health England estimates that alcohol costs the UK at least £27 billion a year.  Yet over the past five years, alcohol duty has raised just £10.5-£12.1 billion annually. To pay for the costs to society that alcohol imposes, stronger drinks should be taxed more per unit of alcohol. Reforming alcohol duty will help create a fairer system for everyone as well as improving our nation’s health."

The calls follow Scotland's implementation of minimum unit pricing (MUP) in 2018 after a protracted legal battle, with evidence appearing to point to positive changes in heavy drinking.

IAS Alert October 2020: COVID-19 latest, alcohol duty review, NoLo beers & more

The latest Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) Alcohol Alert: October 2020 is now available. Reports include: 

• COVID-19: Latest lockdown measures leave pubs in tiers
• COVID-19 briefing warns of rising health risks to heavy drinkers
• Alcohol ban on Scottish trains under consideration
• Government in call for evidence for review of alcohol duty
• NoLo beers have small impact on alcohol purchases
• Minimum unit pricing – the latest from Scotland and Ireland
• Sobriety tag scheme reaches Wales
• Heineken fined £2m for breaching Pubs Code

IAS release new COVID briefing

The Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) have released a second briefing on alcohol and COVID warning of the hidden harm from alcohol and the need for further attention to the issue from the Government.

Download the full 'Alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK – Second IAS briefing [pdf]'

The briefing highlights that whilst there have been a modest overall decline in sales receipts, this masks important differences between lower risk/non-drinkers and heavier drinkers, many of whom report drinking more. Treatment access is also down. As such, important questions relate to how future responses to alcohol regulation and policy to support those negatively affected will be approached.

Further COVID and alcohol resources

Alcohol Change UK have a Corona virus information and advice hub. A regularly updated page from the SSA links to information about COVID-19 (coronavirus) including national guidance, information for treatment services, harm reduction advice for people who use drugs, online courses and news and opinion.

Commission on Alcohol Harm (2020) report calls for 'science-led' alcohol strategy

A new report from a recent Commission on Alcohol Harm undertaken by the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) has been released, calling for a new comprehensive alcohol strategy for England.

The Commission received over 140 written submissions of which around 40 were from people with direct lived experience of alcohol harm. Key themes presented include harm to others, society and individuals, and the need for a new strategy given that 'nothing has really changed' since the last national alcohol strategy published in 2012.

IAS Alert August 2020: pubs, drink-driving, mental health, advertising & more

The latest Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) Alcohol Alert: August 2020 is now available. Reports include:

• The UK Government weighs up the trade-off between keeping pubs open or reopening schools in light of potential new lockdown

• New drink-driving data from the Department for Transport show no ‘significant improvement’ for another year, as road accidents and casualties stay largely unchanged since 2010

• Research looks into the recent history of alcohol and mental health policy for older people in the UK  (Podcast feature)

• A study finds alcohol advertising in Formula One racing is a potential driver of alcohol consumption

• Top health experts call for alcohol labelling overhaul as investigation finds consumers are not provided with adequate information about the beverages they drink

• In Ireland, the 2020 Alcohol Market Review and Price Survey finds drinkers are able to reach their weekly alcohol limit for pocket money prices

• Better Health campaign urges drinkers to think about the ‘empty calories’ in alcohol

• Global drinks producer Diageo manage to keep their UK sales operation afloat during the pandemic, through targeted e-commerce tactics

• Rumours that a booze ban on drinking in football stadiums will be lifted resurface in the press

Access the full Alcohol Alert here.

Labelling still failing consumers says AHA report

A new report on alcohol labelling says current voluntary codes are not working, with less than 70% of the labels displaying the Chief Medical Officer's (CMO) recommended weekly drinking guidelines. See BBC report.

Commissioned by the Alcohol Health Alliance, the report undertook a random sample of 424 alcohol containers on shop shelves to assess whether labels included the current CMOs’ guidelines and other essential pieces of information that would allow consumers to make informed choices. The report identifies key findings as:

Alcohol Awareness Week 2020: alcohol & mental health, November 16-22

Alcohol Change UK have announced Alcohol Awareness Week (AAW) 2020 will take place from 16-22 November on the theme of alcohol and mental health.

Alcohol Change UK say:

Around 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year and drinking too much or too often can increase our risk. But many of us are unaware of the link between alcohol and poor mental health and it’s often the first thing we turn to when we’re feeling low, stressed, worried or unable to cope.

Latest consumption data MESAS 2020: MUP 'maintains lowest level' in Scotland

The Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy (MESAS) monitoring report 2020 provides the latest data on alcohol consumption and measures relating to Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP).

The figures shows in 2019, 9.9 litres (L) of pure alcohol were sold per adult in Scotland, equivalent to 19.1 units per adult per week. This figure is the same as in 2018, which marked a drop from 10.2 litres (L) in 2017 in the wake of the introduction of MUP.

Report highlights issues with underage online sales

A new report reveals a range of concerns relating to the sale of alcohol to under 18s online, making a number of recommendations to tighten their circumvention.

Download the report 'Effective age-gating for underage sales' here [pdf].

The report, released by Alcohol Change UK, finds current methods of age verification are largely ineffectual. When implemented online, they often involve simple 'honour’ checks, which are easily deceived, or alternative forms of authentication that can be bypassed in various ways. Implemented offline, by delivery drivers, etc., they are known to be ineffective in practice. A particular difficulty arises when alcohol is part of a larger online shopping cart, which can lead to it going unnoticed. The report therefore questions the appropriateness of online age-gating (AG) or age-verification (AV) processes.

MUP two year anniversary; IAS briefing & impact of families MESAS report

The 1st of the month marked two years since the introduction of Scotland's Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) after a long-running legal battle led by sections of the alcohol industry.

The Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) released a briefing Minimum Unit Pricing in Scotland: What we know so far about its effects on consumption and health harms [pdf]. The executive summary states "media reports have been mixed, with some claiming the policy has been a success and others claiming it has been a failure. This briefing attempts to summarise this evidence to draw conclusions about the impact of MUP based on what we know so far."