An "independent" alcohol strategy has been released by a coalition of over 70 health organisations from across the UK, led by the University of Stirling.
Health First: An evidence-based alcohol strategy for the UK calls for a 50 pence Minimum Unit Price (MUP) and a series of other measures including a ban on alcohol advertising and a third of label space to be taken up by health warnings.
Last year a Government alcohol strategy was released, which announced plans for MUP and measures to "re-balance" licensing laws. A Home Office led consultation recently closed which had proposed a 45 pence MUP, despite Scotland seeking to implement MUP at a 50 pence level.
Sir Ian Gilmore, Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said: “Governments across the UK have begun to take action to reduce the harm that alcohol can cause. This action is very welcome but needs to go further. In developing this strategy, we considered the best available evidence about appropriate policies and interventions that are needed both to reduce drinking levels in individuals and reduce the damage to families and communities that alcohol can cause. The report provides a blueprint for action, now and in the future.”
However Henry Ashworth, chief executive of the alcohol industry-led Portman Group, said the vast majority of people drink within recommended guidelines and highlighted progress made through the controversial responsibility deal. Ashworth said "we must focus on finding local solutions to tackle specific alcohol-related problems, not penalising those who are drinking sensibly."
See the independent strategy's press release, a BBC and Guardian report.
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