Home Office 'drug strategy blog' launched
The Home Office drug [and alcohol] strategy blog is open until Monday 21st March to capture comments from delivery partners. It will then be evaluated to see if it is a useful way to share views and ideas, successes and challenges related to drugs strategy. Consultation is also open on the drugs strategy delivery framework for 'building recovery', which includes treatment for alcohol dependence.
Consultation on minimum price proposals in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland will be consulting on proposals to introduce a minimum price of between 40 to 70 pence per unit according to a press release and BBC report. However much like the pricing debate seen in England and Scotland, a media battle looks set to continue as health interests and various industry bodies slug it out. The proposals are backed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists who say it would help with the prevention of suicide and self-harm. Gavin Partington, of the Wines and Spirits Trade Association (WTSA), said his organisation was “strongly opposed”.
'No such thing as a safe level of alcohol consumption' says Nutt
The outspoken addictions Professor David Nutt has written a controversial piece claiming 'There is no such thing as a safe level of alcohol consumption'. Nutt asserts a number of factors to argue that the 'myth of a safe level of drinking' has no real evidence. These include that alcohol is toxin which kills cells, that a small minority of people may become addicted to alcohol at first drink, and that the claimed cardiovascular benefits of moderate consumption have not sufficient proof.
Total consumption up 0.6%, but beer continues down amidst calls for duty freeze
Total alcohol consumption in 2010 is up 0.6 per cent, but beer down 1.9 per cent, states the the BBPA as it continued calls for a freeze in beer duty ahead of this month's budget. BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds said "Scrapping plans for further rises in beer duty in the Budget, would also send a signal on encouraging consumption of lower-strength drinks... save over 10,000 UK jobs, protecting Treasury revenues, and stop several more pence being added to the price of a British pint, further hitting UK consumers".
In other news from the Morning Advertiser (MA), London 'booze bus' users should be fined £80 to recoup further saving made by the scheme. Over 1,000 litres of illicit alcohol was seized in Lancashire. Brewer Molson Coors has 'refused to bow to supermarket pressure' to sell its brands at prices dictated by supermarkets.
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