Alcohol Policy UK

Latest UK consumption data: MESAS 2017

The latest data on UK alcohol sales has been released by NHS Scotland, showing consumption has not increased over the past year. This follows small increases in consumption in 2014 and 2015 which had ended a downward overall trend from around 2005.

The report states:

After increasing over the 1990s and early 2000s, the volume of pure alcohol sold per adult in Scotland stabilised between 2005 and 2009, and then declined until 2013. This was followed by a two-year increase which has not continued in 2016, with per-adult sales returning to a similar level as in 2013.

Moderate drinking: risk Vs reward?

A study recently published in the BMJ found that alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels, is associated with adverse brain outcomes. The research also found no support for a protective effect of light consumption on brain structure. The authors, from Oxford University and University College London, concluded:

These results support the recent reduction in alcohol guidance in the UK and question the current limits recommended in the US.

The research may be seen in the context of the much debated J-shaped curve suggesting potential health benefits of alcohol consumption at lower risk levels. Indeed another recent BMJ study found evidence to support the potential protective effects of moderate consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD), addressing some of the previous question marks over the CVD protective effects research. However expert reactions highlighted several reasons why drinking should not be taken up by abstainers for any potential CVD benefits.

Drinkaware in 2017: impact and engagement ten years on?

It's been a while since we last reported on activities undertaken by Drinkaware, the industry-funded alcohol awareness charity which aims to 'help people make better choices about their drinking'.

Drinkaware recently held a national conference which highlighted its ten year anniversary, and its reach and resources have undoubtedly become significant over that time. It's website is by far the most widely-accessed source of alcohol-related health information and it has run numerous campaigns and disseminated millions of resources.

Events & dates 2017: UKCTAS alcohol policy course, alcohol & sport, addictions & international events

Selected alcohol events and dates forthcoming in 2017:

Alcohol Policy in Practice 2017 

The UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies (UKCTAS) Alcohol Policy in Practice CPD course takes place on 18th - 21st September at the University of Stirling, Scotland. 

This year’s course will feature new inputs from Professor Mike Daube from Curtin University in Australia, and Professor Karine Gallopel-Morvan from the E-HESP (School of Public Health) in Rennes, France. Returning highlights include advocacy training from the Institute of Alcohol Studies & Balance Northeast; Prof Jeff Collin (Edinburgh) and Dr John Holmes (Sheffield). An International Workshop “The Ubiquity of Alcohol” will also focus on marketing, availability and industry influence. A reduced rate applies until the 16th June - further details and registration here.

Alcohol Concern 2017: alcohol & sport?

IAS Alert May 2017: licensing, treatment sector, inequalities, MUP 5 years on & more

The latest Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) Alcohol Alert: May 2017 is now available (here for PDF version). Read the editorial here and articles below:

• TOP STORY: UK alcohol laws should look Down Under to tackle crime and disorder
• Alcohol-related admissions continue to rise
• Poorest at greater risk of harm from heavy drinking, study finds
• Drug and alcohol treatment sector – on borrowed time?
• Loophole closed in underage drinking crackdown
• Police unit backs new approach to cut alcohol-related crime
• An open letter to ministers on the AudioVisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD)
• Just one alcoholic drink a day can increase breast cancer risk
• Minimum unit pricing, 5 years on
• Open letter to the candidates for Director General of WHO: UPDATE

News & updates May 2017: Lifeline charity future, mental health, glassing, breast cancer, alcohol on the radio & more

Selected media stories since the April roundup: 

Many newspapers reported on the latest ONS report on alcohol statistics for England (details in a previous post), with the Guardian highlighting teetotal young people, the Sun Blackpool and baby boomers, and the Daily Mail the 22% increase in alcohol-related hospital admissions over the past decade. APUK analysis here.

Tighten availability to reduce alcohol-related harms, say IAS & FARE report

A new report has called for tighter restrictions on alcohol availability to help address alcohol-related harms, including pressures on emergency departments, hospitals and the police.

The report Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere? [pdf] reviews fourteen alcohol licensing policies in Australia and the UK rating them for their effectiveness in reducing harm. It follows recent research identifying the extent of alcohol availability in England, and a recent call from the Lords Licensing Review Committee for a fundamental overhaul of the Act.