Alcohol Policy UK

Latest Findings alcohol research: importance of 'listen & reflect'; Acramposate helps prevent lapse

Latest alcohol research from the Findings database:

Listen well, reflect back - key ingredients in changing drinking

In this study of Swiss army recruits, reflective listening emerged as possibly the key active ingredient in a brief alcohol intervention based on motivational interviewing.

Acamprosate helps prevent lapse to drinking

The first Cochrane review of the drug acamprosate as a treatment for alcohol dependence finds clear evidence that it offers worthwhile if modest benefits in preventing a return to drinking after detoxification.

Drugs strategy consultation closes 30th September 2010

The Home Office led 2010 drug strategy consultation closes this week on Thursday 30th September 2010. Though focused on illegal drugs, it asks for views in respect of alcohol, especially where a 'joint approach is appropriate, particularly around prevention, treatment and recovery'.

The consultation may prove particularly relevant for alcohol policy which is likely to be more closely integrated within drugs and public health agendas within the forthcoming changes. These are expected to be outlined within the public health white paper due at the end of the year and the revised drug strategy to follow.

Consultation is also open on the NHS commissioning reform which closes shortly on the 11th October 2010.

Future for alcohol policy? DDN article September 2010

This month's Drink & Drugs News (DDN) features an article exploring the future for alcohol policy given the significant changes facing the field. The comment explores the possible threats and opportunities for alcohol as it seeks to find its voice within wider substance misuse and public health agendas.

Download Future for alcohol policy article DDN sep 2010 [pdf]

Current consultations have significant implications for the issues raised, including the current drugs strategy consultation which closes this week on 30th September 2010. Consultation is also open on the NHS commissioning reform which also closes shortly on the 11th October 2010.

Defeat for Scotland's minimum pricing plan

The Scottish Government's long fought plans for minimum pricing appeared at an end as opposition parties refused to include it in the Alcohol Bill at stage 2 - BBC report. A move to limit the amount of caffeine allowed in alcoholic drinks was also blocked but the remaining proposals were agreed.

The Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon had called for a 45 pence per unit price and had even offered a 'sunset clause' if it proved unsuccessful. But Scottish Labour, Lib Dems and Tories continued to repeat claims that it would 'punish responsible drinkers' or could be illegal under EU law. A Tory spokesperson instead backed the Coalition Government plans of banning below cost sales and reviewing tax. Sturgeon re-iterated concerns though that opposition to minimum pricing was not based on the evidence but was politically motivated, whilst health campaigners declared the decision a 'missed opportunity'.

For more see reports from the Herald and Morning Advertiser. See here for the Stage 1 report which reviews the evidence for the Bill's proposals.

Social worker's pocket guide on alcohol and other drugs

A Special Interests Group has produced a pocket guide to support social workers in relation to alcohol and other drug use:

Pocket guide for social workers on alcohol & other drugs [pdf]

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) alcohol and drugs special interests group produced the guide with support from the Alcohol Education Research Council (AERC), National Treatment Agency (NTA) and University of Bedfordshire.

Further information and the leaflet can be found here.

Consumption controversies: alcohol policies in the UK

The Royal Geographic Society (RGS) has published its latest policy briefing:

Consumption controversies: alcohol policies in the UK [pdf]

The briefing presents an overview of research against a series of controversial questions and debates:

• Controversy 1: The UK has a drink problem
• Controversy 2: The biggest bingers are in Scotland and the NE
• Controversy 3: Problem drinking is a new phenomenon
• Controversy 4: Has our night-time economy been revitalised by drinking (or are our towns and cities becoming no-go zones)
• Controversy 5: A continental drinking culture is better
• Controversy 6: It is 'safer' to drink at home
• Controversy 7: Children should not drink alcohol
• Controversy 8: Units are not useful as a tool to measure levels of drinking
• Controversy 9: Too much focus is given to treating the effects of alcohol rather than reducing consumption
• Controversy 10: Saving the local British pub is more important than reducing drinking

See here for the research references or the RGS policy briefings page.

Public Health report identifies will to act on alcohol

The British public wants the Government to take action to make Britain healthier, according to a report published last month by the Faculty of Public Health (FPH).

Healthy Nudges: When the Public Wants Change and the Politicians Don’t Know It [pdf]

The report found public backing for a range of Public Health interventions including compulsory sport in schools, clear food labelling and banning smoking in cars carrying children. In respect of alcohol, a survey to inform the report found:

• 82% of the public believes that manufacturers should be required to print detailed information about the calories and units on alcohol containers
• A narrow margin between public support and opposition to minimum pricing for supermarkets with 45% in support and 44% against
• 51% public opposition to banning supermarkets offers such as 'buy one get one free' with 41% in support

The report claims there are 'obvious risks' in the new Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's de-regulatory approach in favour of action to encourage 'personal responsibility'. It suggests that 'while focusing on personal responsibility, enhancing self-esteem and empowering healthy choices can be effective, these often need the additional support of government action at national or local level'. The report emphasises the success of measures such as the smoke-free legislation and laws to make seat belt use compulsory, warning against the costly and time-limited effectiveness of awareness campaigns.

The Coalition Government is due to release its Public Health White Paper before the end of the year, expected to detail the creation of a new Public Health Service. It is also yet to announce whether it will pursue mandatory labelling on alcohol products following concerns over poor adherence to the voluntary code.

Alcohol Primary Care Service Framework updated

An updated version of the Primary Care Service Framework has been released to support the commissioning and delivery of Identification and Brief Advice (IBA) in Primary Care.

The Primary Care Commissioning (PCC) alcohol page now include updated documents supporting the clinical directed enhanced service (DES) for alcohol, which started from April 2008 and was extended for 2010/11.

• Alcohol care pathway - primary care
• Alcohol use disorder identification test
• Fast alcohol screening test
• Alcohol use disorder identification test - consumption
• Alcohol use disorder identification test - primary care
• Single alcohol screening questionnaire
• Leaflet to support the delivery of Brief Advice Identification and Brief Advice Tool
• GP IT system templates

See here for further IBA tools and resources or a read the briefing paper 'Clarifying brief interventions'.

Alcohol in the news Aug 2010: hospital admissions, consumption and pricing reports

The release of the latest alcohol figures last week prompted a range of media coverage. Reacting to the updated Local Alcohol Profiles (LAPE) showing 954,469 alcohol-related admissions in 2009/09, headlines included 'Two admitted to hospital for alcohol a minute' (The Telegraph) and that 'problem drinking shows a north south split' (BBC).

Further reports picked up on other data collected within the profiles including 'London as worst for alcohol-related crimes'. An official press release acknowledged a 65% rise in admissions over a recent 5 year period, though the rate is slowing.

Local licensing policy responds to 'pre-loading' concerns

Westminster council, the largest licensing authority with over 3,000 premises, is preparing to restrict the number of off-licenses through a local saturation zone, the Publican reports. Concerns over 'pre-loading', where revellers consume cheaper alcohol before going to pubs and clubs is said to be behind the move to include off-licenses in its 'stress-area'.

Under the Licensing Act, authorities can use Cumulative Impact Policies (or 'saturation zones') to restrict the growth of licensed premises in areas associated with problems. Though intended for restricting growth in on-trade premises, Westminster cited 643 public nuisance incidents in six nights which could be blamed on pre-loading, and received backing from the on-trade. A Westminster Council spokesman said:

'We are refining and clarifying our stress area policy, particularly around issues of dispersal, fast food, restaurants serving alcohol without food and the operation of off-licences, in order to ensure we can continue to robustly tackle issues which can lead to alcohol-related disorder and anti-social behaviour.”

See here for local Cumulative Impact Policy guidance from Southwark and Torbay. The measure was highlighted in the recent consultation on Licensing Act, suggesting a reduction in the evidential requirement may be brought in.