Early responses to the new 2010 Drugs Strategy have been released by Drugscope, Addaction and the NTA. Reports from the BBC, Guardian and a Telegraph comment. Follow DS Daily for more.
Following the release of the public health White Paper, a summary of alcohol references have been highlighted on the ALC. An article in the Independent asks whether Lansley's policies are 'Nudge or Fudge', the Telegraph reporting 'no more nanny state'. The Guardian published a supportive GP comment and a radical critique on responding alcohol misuse. The Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston expressed support for minimum pricing in an outspoken interview on public health policy.
Following the announcement of the Licensing Act changes, there have been many reports and comments from the trade journals such as the Morning Advertiser (MA) and The Publican. The MA have continued to highlight concerns for the on trade and accusations of policy makers paying lip service to pubs. Another report, Government explains off-trade inaction is backed by a comment on 'the government assault on progress' whilst trade chiefs have said the reforms could cost them £1m per week. Publican reports have included will the late-night levy become a legal battleground? but also highlighted MPs speak up for pubs in Westminster debate.
Other news reports
As home drinking becomes an increasingly popular topic for debate, the Telegraph reports Supermarket sells smaller wine bottles to curb home drinking.
Drinkaware have suggested soaps should change their portrayal of alcohol from 'perpetuating a false and potentially damaging view of alcohol'. A research report suggested that little or no representation of the everyday effects of excessive drinking may normalise a false belief of consequence free binge drinking. Drinkaware are meeting with TV producers to advise soaps to better depict the risks associated with alcohol. See more here.
In other news, binge drinking doubles heart risk a British Medical Journal report finds. Research from Mintel expects a fall in Christmas alcohol sales this year reports the BBC. Underage test purchases are 'not effective' according to a study which says a more holistic approach is required. The Publican reports students are unhappy over media's portrayal of drinking habits.
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