Alcohol Policy UK

IAS Alert June 2016: alcohol as a drug, Forumla One Heineken deal, minimum pricing & more

The latest Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) Alcohol Alert: June 2016  is now available (here for PDF version ). Read the editorial here and articles below:

• Treat alcohol like other drugs, says the Royal Society for Public Health

• Formula One puts Heineken in the driving seat

• Minimum pricing court battle returns home

• Blog: It’s time to stop work, it’s time to drink beers

• Breast cancer risk rises even with light alcohol use

Evaluation of Reduce The Strength schemes in two London Boroughs

In recent years a growing number of off-licenses have been reportedly agreeing to adopt 'Reducing The Strength' (RtS) initiatives, whereby shops agree not to sell beer or cider of 6.5% ABV or above.

In 2014 we reported on these schemes which were being said to have positive impacts on street drinking and other issues, despite sections of the trade raising concerns or suggesting the opposite effect in some areas.

Evaluation of Liverpool 'wet centre' for street drinkers

An evaluation of a 'wet centre' to reduce street drinking issues in Liverpool has been released by Liverpool John Moores University's Centre for Public Health.

The Rehabilitation, Education, Support & Treatment (REST) Centre ran as a pilot from June to September 2015. Delivered by local homeless providers commissioned by Liverpool's Citysafe Partnership, it has since been set up on a more permanent basis.

Emergency Department reports: interventions and 'frequent attenders'

Adapted with permission from content originally posted on the Alcohol Research UK website:

Hospital Emergency Departments are often at the frontline when it comes to dealing with the harmful effects of alcohol. Although we lack precise details, it is estimated that up to 35% of ED and ambulance costs may be alcohol-related.

Older people's drinking needs to be recognised and not stigmatized

A recent report provides further insight into the nature of drinking amongst older adults as an issue of increasing attention across the UK. Produced by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health, the research explores the complex range of factors and influences affecting drinking in later life, and how retirement and other significant changes can trigger changes in drinking patterns.

IAS Alert May 2016: consumption analysis, online marketing, teen poisonings & more

The latest Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) Alcohol Alert: May 2016 is now available (here for PDF version). Read the editorial here and articles below:

• Global drinking levels dip for first time this century

• Blog: The paradox of waning alcohol consumption? It’s the culture, stupid!

• Scottish alcohol sales on the increase again

• Alcohol-related hospital admissions in 2015 – is the tide turning?

News & updates May 2016: guidelines under attack vs 'truth about alcohol', Majestic Wines boss wants MUP, alcohol and happiness & more

Selected media stories since the April roundup:

The recently amended alcohol guidelines have come under attack in a number of media reports, including a Times piece titled 'Anti-drink lobby drew up official safety limits'. The Times, followed by the Daily Mail, claimed that a number of members of the expert group behind the new guidelines were anti-drink lobbyists because they were associated with the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS), but The Times subsequently corrected inaccuracies in the report.