The first Drinkaware annual conference recently took place in Westminster - see Drinkaware press release and highlights on YouTube. Speaking at the event, the Health Minister Andrew Lansley said partnerships and individual choices were key to changing national drinking habits without "excessive, burdensome regulation" - The Publican.
The Home Secretary has stated the recent below cost ban is expected to result in 7,000 fewer alcohol-related incidents and 1,000 fewer hospital admissions. But the Morning Advertiser (MA) reported the average price of alcohol sold in stores is up to four times higher than the below cost ban level. The Economist suggests the move is more to establish a principle of pricing control for future governments to build on. See also a Guardian comment.
Meanwhile a recent YouGov survey indicates British opinion is split over whether the Government should go further and introduce minimum pricing; 47% are reportedly in favour with 44% against. Full survey results here and a Guardian report.
A new Night Time Economy body has been set up the MA reports - Home Office Minister James Brokenshire has previously backed responsible retailing and partnership schemes to reduce alcohol-related problems. Pubs should carry out risk assessments following violence on their premises - MA. In Scotland an alcohol tagging scheme has been launched to help track and address underage drinking.
A BBC Newsbeat article reports 5 tricks to make you buy more booze - likely to frustrate the on-trade given shifts in consumption from pubs to off-sales. 2 days left to watch the BBC's documentary on Laura Hall's 'battle with booze' - the "binge Britain poster girl" with 39 convictions largely linked to alcohol.
A "wet zone" for street drinkers has been proposed as an alternative space in Colchester - an uncommon but viable approach previously taken in Lambeth. Secure funding is needed to safeguard specialist treatment services, the Addaction Chief Exec comments in the Guardian. Alcohol and poor diet linked to high UK breast cancer rates - The Telegraph.
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