Future alcohol policy approaches were hotly debated at last week's Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum seminar, the Morning Advertiser (MA) reports. The event was attended by a range of high profile policy representatives including the new Minister for Public Health, Anne Milton.
Various representatives put forward their usual positions, the British Medical Association calling for action on pricing whilst Drinkaware stressed the importance of education in harm reduction. The former Public Health minister Caroline Flint suggested 'Government has to lead opinion, not follow it' and that 'legislation can lead attitudes and control behaviour.'
However the new Public Health Minister said “Legislation has its place in some instances, but we must also focus on giving people means to make the right decisions on health.” Milton said they were 'looking closely' at the consultation responses on mandatory alcohol labelling options, but also echoed a recent speech by Andrew Lansley emphasising personal responsibility. Lansley will be partaking in a live online Q&A on Thursday 22 July to answer questions on NHS reform.
The MA also today confirmed that Licensing responsibility will revert back to the Home Office, except for regulated entertainment. Licensing is currently under review by the Coalition government as detailed in the Structural Reform Plan.
Also this week the Coalition Government launched a new 'Big Society' initiative that will financially support local communities to run public services including local pubs. The MA reported that 4 out of 10 people would be willing to save their local pub if it was under threat. An organisation called the 'Pub is Hub' exists to encourage 'rural pub owners, licensees, and their local communities to work together to support, retain and locate local services where possible within the pub'.
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