- NHS Tayside’s chief executive has admitted he’s found it difficult to put any positive spin on the truly alarming scale of alcohol abuse across the region. Stepping down as chairman of Tayside Council on Alcohol, Tony Wells said it was no longer acceptable that children as young as 11 were being treated for alcoholism in the region. Last year, 746 people in Dundee, 296 in Perth and Kinross and 433 in Angus were referred to Tayside Council on Alcohol, as the number of people seeking help continues to increase. “I have written a number of reports as Chairman of TCA, and, as it is my intention to stand down as chairman, I would have welcomed the opportunity of reporting a more positive message,” he said. Evening Telegraph
- THERE has been an angry response from the European Sponsorship Association (ESA) to a recent call by the European Commission for a ban on alcohol sponsorship in sport - a ruling that would have huge implications for Celtic, Rangers, Hibs, the Scottish Rugby Union and Edinburgh Rugby, to name a few. They have the backing of the ESA, whose policy director claims it is "vital that we resist this attempt to ban alcohol sponsorship across Europe," mainly, as he goes on to say, because such sponsorships deliver "essential funds" which can be "used in a number of ways, particularly in the development of sports and other activities enabling more people to participate and get involved." Among those who pour scorn on this argument, and believe that alcohol sponsorship should go the way of tobacco sponsorship, are organisations such as Alcohol Focus Scotland. Its chief executive, Jack Law, states simply that "alcohol producers should not be allowed to sponsor sports in order to promote brand awareness of their products. "It is particularly inappropriate for children to be wearing sports kits bearing the logo of an alcoholic drink brand," adds Law. Scotsman
- Australian wine brand Banrock Station is launching a lower alcohol red wine into the UK, following its launch in the Australian market. Banrock Station Crimson Cabernet Sauvignon is 9% alcohol by volume, is light crimson in colour and is lightly spritzed. This lower alcohol wine is a result of the natural fermentation process being halted, (leaving some residual sugar) and is targeted at drinkers looking for a lighter, “off-dry” wine. Checkout
- Pregnant women are ignoring medical advice and are continuing to drink too much alcohol while expecting, a new study has found.
Baby charity Tommy's found that one in 20 pregnant women were putting their babies' future health at serious risk by consuming more than the recommended levels of alcohol.
One or two units once or twice a week is the maximum amount pregnant women should consume, according to the British Medical council, so as not to put infants at risk of permanent brain damage. This month is Pregnancy Health Month, aimed at raising awareness for how to stay healthy when expecting, the baby charity reminded mums-to-be. Kiddicare; Tommy's press release . More about Pregnancy Health Month from Sunderland Teaching PCT
- MIDWIVES are targeting pubs in a campaign aimed at making pregnant women think twice about drinking alcohol. They are putting up posters and distributing cards in women's cloakrooms in pubs and clubs across Manchester to highlight how drinking during pregnancy can prevent the unborn baby's healthy growth and development. Manchester Evening News
- Heavy drinking can accelerate time to AIDS among rhesus macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), researchers from Louisiana State University report in the October edition of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. The monkeys were exposed to alcohol for four days a week at levels designed to simulate `binge` drinking, and compared with a control group. Heavy consumption of alcohol can impair immunity, leading to infections like pneumonia. Alcohol abuse is also more common among individuals already infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than among the population as a whole. New research findings show that chronic binge drinking can accelerate the progression of end-stage simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) among rhesus macaques, likely mimicking what happens to humans infected with HIV. Aidsmap
- The North West region's new top doctor has vowed to make tackling alcohol abuse her main task. According to a recent survey by the influential Public Health Observatory, nine out of 10 under-18s had drunk alcohol, and four in 10 are binge drinkers who consume more than five pints in one session. Now Dr Ruth Hussey, who has replaced Prof John Ashton as North West Director of Public Health, has said she will make the issue her main priority. She also said that she wants to forge closer links with local councils and businesses to improve the region's health. "We need to get all of the key agencies together to take stock of the early trends," said Dr Hussey. Harm "We need to tackle alcohol generally and alcohol in young people. We don't want to say that people should not drink, just that they should understand the harm that can happen if they do not drink sensibly. "With alcohol, we are about 30 years behind where we are with changing public perceptions and attitudes when compared with smoking." Manchester Evening News
- Bargain beer and spirit offers are being used by supermarkets as weapons against independent rivals, it has been claimed. Vodka, whisky and popular beers such as Stella Artois are being sold at 'ridiculous' prices on aisle ends to lure shoppers though the door, according to a submission to the Competition Commission. The 'irresponsible' practice means many smaller local stores and off- licences face oblivion because they cannot compete. It has also been condemned by health experts for stoking Britain's binge-drinking problem. In one example, Tesco sold Pavlov vodka for £6.23, but when VAT and excise duties are excluded this is the equivalent of just 17p a bottle. This was half the lowest wholesale price available to other retailers. This is money Read the submission into the Competition Commission's inquiry from 'a convenience retailer' here.
- A crackdown on boozy underage youngsters and those who sell them drink was launched this week in Selkirk. The scheme comes after a spate of alcohol-fuelled crime in the town, including a recent rise in offensive graffiti and vandalism. Speaking after yet another attack last week at the Fleshmarket Steps, Inspector David Watt announced the crackdown on drink-related crime. Operation Grenadine, which is also being piloted in Galashiels, is aimed at addressing the range of increasingly-common problems arising from alcohol abuse. Run jointly by Lothian and Borders Police, Scottish Borders Council, NHS Borders Drugs and Alcohol Action Team, The Reiver Project and local licensed premises, the scheme will help identify those who buy alcohol illegally, either on behalf of underage drinkers or young people themselves. Bottles of popular drinks, such as vodka, Buckfast, cider and cheap beers and wine, will be marked, allowing police to trace drinks found in the possession of young people back to the premises where they were originally bought. Inspector Watt said: "Once we establish a shop or premises where drinks come from, we'll then make inquiries and find out who's buying them. When we find out who these people are, we'll report them to the procurator fiscal." Selkirk Today
Comments