The Guardian last week published a series of articles questioning the Government's alcohol policy and the state of the responsibilty deal. In the article 'Alcohol policy in tatters as health experts revolt', the Guardian claimed health members planned to walk away, angry at their limited influence in favour of industry agendas. It reports "The so-called responsibility deal will do the "bare minimum", such as putting information on beer mats", whilst issues such as marketing and promotion were said to be "outside the parameters of the discussions".
The Guardian, which runs an alcohol page on its website, also published a series of further articles critiquing alcohol policy. The paper had also commissioned an investigation into the recent plans to ban the sale of alcohol below duty + VAT, reporting that 'Minimum alcohol price would hit one in nearly 4,000 drink deals.' However some such as The Economist and Professor Ian Gilmore have suggested the move was a 'step in the right direction', whilst we have continued to highlight the differences between a below cost ban and minimum pricing.
The Guardian published in its letters section a number of responses, including from the Chief Executive of Diageo stating they "have signed up to work together to improve the health of the public". However the Guardian continues to speak out on alcohol policy, today warning failure to act will cost 250,000 further lives by 2015.
A recent YouGov survey indicated British opinion is split over whether Government alcohol policy should go further and introduce minimum pricing; 47% are reportedly in favour with 44% against.
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