A number of key consultation documents have now been released as policy makers seek views on key proposals to change the way the industry is regulated for price and promotion, and the role of the NHS. The consultation asks for views on:
- how a new alcohol retailing code could be used to end poor retailing practice that leads to alcohol-related health and social harm
- whether this code should be backed up by new legislation to make it mandatory
- what action the Government should take if the voluntary agreement on alcohol labelling is not implemented
- what more can be done by the NHS and others to make sure advice and help on alcohol are available for those who need them.
This week the Department of Health released a series of documents that include the evidence from independent reviews, new statistics and recommendations on how policy may change the way the industry is regulated (all here). Key documents include:
- Safe, Sensible, Social - consultation on further action - provides a summary of the current situation, the future options and consultation process. A separate document also provides a detailed impact assessment of the various proposals and the likely effects they would have.
- Pricing and promotion review - provides phase one findings from the University of Sheffield providing an independent assessment of the impact of price and promotion on alcohol consumption. Phase two will be released later in the year providing policy models and recommendations.
- Labelling review - provides a detailed assessment of the extent to which voluntary labelling schemes have been adopted and the possibilities and implications of further approaches to labelling.
- The cost of alcohol harm to the NHS in England - provides new figures and analysis on the extent and cost of alcohol misuse to the NHS.
- KPMG independent review on the industry's social responsibility standards
A closing date of October 14th has been set for consultation responses.
I think point 2.19 ~ "The review found that price significantly influences young people and those drinking at heavier
levels – but it has less of an impact on moderate and occasional drinkers" ~ is well made, even if it isn't the first time this has been said, because it succinctly rebutts the assetion made in every response to every article on alcohol policy that has ever been discussed on the internet: that using price to limit harm penalises sensible drinkers without touching "alcoholics" who will carry on regardless. The industry opposes price increases for the same reason they oppose increased avialability of treatment services: they take away their best customers.
Posted by: Rich | Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 10:02 AM