The Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has called for further attention on alcohol harm in a recently published report. Pathways to Problems 2009 reviews progress on its previous recommendations report in 2006, commending government action in many areas but also calling for further progress, particularly in relation to young people's exposure to alcohol.
In a press release, Caroline Healy, Chair of the Pathways to Problems Working Group, said:
'The government has made encouraging progress on the hazardous use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs by young people since Pathways to Problems 2006...
Despite this progress, however, statistics show that many young people are still putting themselves at risk and there is room for improvement against many of the recommendations. The increase in the reporting of alcohol-related illness, injury and crime means our main concern remains young people's interaction with alcohol, particularly around its promotion and availability.'
The ACMD has called in particular for further action on:
- minimum-price legislation to stop supermarkets selling alcohol at heavily discounted prices, as previously recommended by Chief Medical Officer for England Sir Liam Donaldson;
- implementation of the Licensing Act Review to change the offence of persistently selling alcohol to a person under the age of 18 years from three to two 'strikes', as referenced in the government's Youth Alcohol Action Plan;
- reduction of the blood alcohol concentration level for drivers under the age of 25 years to 50mg per 100ml or less, as supported by the Transport Select Committee and Sir Liam Donaldson;
- more proactive intervention by the government in limiting the promotion of excessive drinking at further education establishments, with consideration given to encouragement of universities to withdraw financial support from sports and other clubs that promote irresponsible drinking;
- the use of standard measures when alcohol is served and a tax on drinks according to alcoholic strength; and
- a stricter code for alcohol advertising and sponsorship as supported by Alcohol Concern and government research.
The ACMD also reiterated its call for an equivalent independent expert body to advise on the misuse of alcohol and tobacco to ensure that the government is receiving the best possible advice in this area.
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