Alcohol news and updates: July 2010

The 10% rise in cider duty has been reversed following the Coalition's emergency 2010 budget [pdf] last month. However the Government will continue to increase the rates by 2 per cent above inflation each year to 2014-15 and will still 'review alcohol taxation and pricing to ensure it tackles binge drinking' under its alcohol plans. Details of the new measures are due to be announced in the autumn.

Trade demands action on supermarkets according to the Morning Advertiser. A collaboration of pubs, hotels and bars said the Government must re-balance the tax and regulatory system to create a level playing field between the pub sector and supermarkets. It calls for action to re-dress the balance that has led to 70% of alcohol now being sold through supermarkets. The tax review was welcomed and should be reviewed so that lower strength drinks were better encouraged.

A surge in domestic abuse cases coincided with England's World Cup exit: Police in Manchester logged 353 Domestic Violence incidents on the day Germany beat England, 15.7% higher than the same day the previous year according to a Guardian report. Police had been asked to prepare for surges in incidents following research conducted during the last World Cup showed that domestic violence increased by almost a third during the tournament.

Tesco have been criticised for discounting a brand of wine to £1.11 a bottle after recently supporting action on cheap alcohol, according to a Daily Mail report. The Mail also accused Tesco of selling lager below cost after supporting the forthcoming ban.

Supermarkets should be prevented by law from awarding loyalty points for alcohol the professional body for Scotland’s doctors say, The Herald reports.

Parents unintentionally fuel underage summer drinking according to a survey by Drinkaware.

Pregnant drinking 'affects sperm' - Women who drink during pregnancy may be damaging the future fertility of their sons, a BBC report suggests.

Consultation results on the 'The future of SMART Recovery UK' have been released.

2010 Local Health Profiles released - the Profiles give a snapshot overview of health for each local authority and region in England - find your Local Health Profile here.