Consultation responses published by Alcohol Concern and Transform

Transform Drug Policy Foundation and Alcohol Concern have published their responses to the recent consultation on further action on the alcohol industry, as part of the national alcohol strategy, Safe, Sensible, Social. 

Alcohol Concern's submission provides detailed responses to the consultation questions and has key recommendations including:

• A mandatory code backed by legislation
• The creation of a fair, independent regulatory system
• An interdepartmental national alcohol enforcement team sitting either within the DCMS or Home Office
• An amendment to the Licensing Act 2003 to include a health objective
• A legal requirement for all bottles and cans to be labelled with a DH standard worded health message alongside unit information
• A direct ban on price promotions within the on-trade
• Mandatory training for staff working in licensed premises and clear policies in place which will prevent irresponsible and illegal alcohol sales
• The NHS should move PSA 25 from a Tier 3 target to a Tier 2 target to ensure that more information and support is provided to those that want to drink less
• The Department of Health should work closely with the General Medical Council and the British Medical Association to encourage GPs to ask about people’s drinking on a regular basis with patients
• The Department of Health should establish an optimal level of access for alcohol treatment for England and Wales

The Transform submission assertively criticises the current lack of government regulation, particularly in failing to act on the advice of key medical bodies over the vested interests of a powerful and heavily lobbying industry. The submission also backs a number of Alcohol Concern's recommendations and also covers some broader discussion points including:

• The negative influence of the alcohol industry on implementation of public health based regulation
• The Government’s historic failure to stand up to industry pressure, or undertake the potentially unpopular regulatory measures required  
• The anomalous status of alcohol policy, relative to a) tobacco policy and b) illegal drug policy

Consultation closed on the 14th of October though continued media attention is expected as the field eagerly anticipates how the government will respond to consultation findings.