Minimum pricing battles re-heating
The alcohol pricing battleground has been re-heating with the imminent release of the consultation on proposals within the alcohol strategy, and as Scotland attempt to implement a 50 pence per unit minimum price.
With the actual minimum price for England still to be set, arguments for and against minimum pricing are being re-stated. Supporters have recently claimed a new Canadian study provides further evidence it would have a beneficial impact - a notion much disputed by Diageo's Mark Baird.
Meanwhile opposition to Scotland's minimum pricing plans is focusing on claimed legality issues given the SNP has passed it's minimum pricing bill. This week a court challenge led by The Scotch Whisky Association was delayed after a late submission of evidence. See here for a BBC analysis of the legal challenge to Scotland's minimum pricing.
Health and treatment
Alcohol spending must not lose out, the Guardian reports ahead of the public health reforms taking effect from 2013. It warns of real threats to drug and alcohol budgets being passed to local authorities without protected 'ringfencing'. It points out that the 'localism' agenda may undermine drug and alcohol spend if new GP-led commissioning groups and Health and Wellbeing boards do not give it adequate recognition. See here for updates on Public Health England.
Baby boomers are draining NHS resources through alcohol misuse, reported Alcohol Concern as it released it's new alcohol harm map. The story attracted media reports, but a fullfact article questioned the data as being at odds with national statistics.Alcohol abuse and obesity care causing rising liver disease in the North West, reports the BBC. The story follows a report from John Moores University on the Burden of Liver Disease and Inequalities in the North West of England.
Homeless people are 'drinking themselves to death' from super strength alcohol, reports the Guardian. Homeless charities are continuing to call for more action to address the low-price high-alcohol content of such drinks, which will be hit heavily by a minimum price. Last year a report was published warning against the dangers of white ciders.
There is a need to better address drinking problems in older age, a Guardian article highlights. A Daily Mail article has reported 'Alcohol kills you quicker than smoking' following research in Germany.
Trade and industry news
MPs will debate the future of the beer duty escalator on 1 November after a petition to scrap it passed 100,000 signatures. The news came as the BBPA announced further falls in beer sales, and warned of the policy as damaging to the pub industry and jobs. Pressure will therefore be on the new Community Pubs Minister, Brandon Lewis.
An MP is calling on parliament to ban liquid nitrogen cocktails after a teenage constituent had to have her stomach removed after she downed two of the drinks, see Guardian report.
New data showing how supermarket pub prices threaten the pub trade is claimed in opinion piece from a pub operator in the MA.
Events
An Alcohol Liaison Seminar will take place at St George's Hospital, London on 22 November, 2012. The seminar is designed to focus on the Alcohol Nurse Specialist and Alcohol Health Worker role in hospital liaison - see here for more info.
An event on Implementing NICE treatment guidance within PbR is being hosted by DrinkWise on 15th November 2012 in Manchester. Free for commissioners, providers, and alcohol leads in the North West - or for a nominal fee of £40 plus VAT for other regions. See the flyer and conference agenda here or to book email Drink Wise with any dietary requirements.
Alcohol Awareness Week (AAW) 2012 will take place from 19-25 November on the theme of "It’s time to talk about drinking" - details here. A set of conversation starter cards are available to download.
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