Wine makers "systematically" understate the strengths of wines, according to a Guardian report. A study found that that 57% of the wines analysed were stronger than on the label; average ABV content was found at 13.6% but the average labelled strength was 13.1%. The analysis also revealed that strength of wine across the world has risen by almost once per cent in recent years.
Pricing, trade and industry
The Guardian explores the minimum pricing plans in Scotland and Greater Manchester. The Scottish National Party have vowed to make action on cheap alcohol a top priority, according to the Daily Record. An interim evaluation report into the 2005 Scottish Licensing Objectives has been published.
A free journal article from PLoS Editorial suggests the corporate alcohol interests get off lightly in an article 'Let's be straight up about the alcohol industry'. In contrast, a recent MA comment exploring the production and marketing of lower strength 4% lagers argues industry goals of maximising profits do not equate to maximising consumption.
New Licensing fees in England could add 13p to a pint say the ALMR. It claims the Police and Social Responsibility Bill could add an additional £100 million in costs as local authorities will be able to charge fees, although a cap on the late night levy is expected. The Church of England could pull its investments from supermarkets which fail to meet minimum alcohol standards reports The Mirror.
Health and treatment
An update from the Department of Health on the Public Health reforms has been released, including a time-line for operational developments. News on the alcohol Payment by Results (PbR) pilot sites is on the Alcohol Learning Centre. The pilot phase will run from July 2011 until the end of March 2012 to test nationally developed products including assessment tools and outcome measures.
Scotland meeting brief interventions targets, show ISD statistics. In 2010/11 there were 88,138 alcohol brief interventions delivered as part of the HEAT H4 target.
Alcohol damages the DNA of unborn children a new study has found, as reported in The Independent and Medical Research Council. Alcohol can worsen stress according to recent research, whilst binge drinking can reduce girl's memory skills a BBC report says.
A NICE chief has warned of risks with 'nudge' approaches to public health, GP UK reports. A similar caution was made by a BMJ article earlier in the year. A Guardian piece titled 'A society in need of rehab' reflects on the change in understanding of addiction following the recent death of Betty Ford.
Articles on 'teetotal' young people and celebrities have been in the news. The Independent published 'The rise of the teetotal generation', whilst The Guardian published a facetious piece titled 'Young, gifted and dry'. Figures have shown continued rises in the proportion of young people not drinking, but those who do drink are drinking more - see recent statistics report and a 2009 JRF report.
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