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.
Lifeline, one of the UK’s leading drug and alcohol treatment charities reportedly collapsed days after the Charity Commission launched an investigation into claims that it had critically weak financial controls. The Guardian and Third Sector (NB recent developments suggest it will be saved following administration).
Leading midwives reiterated guidance for pregnant women to avoid drinking alcohol after it was suggested advice on the subject could lead to “anxiety” among expectant mothers, and that "the exclusion of women from an ordinary activity on the basis of ‘precaution’ can more properly be called sexist than benign," reported Huffington Post and Telegraph.
A new app, called DrnkPay, designed to stop you spending money whilst drunk, connects your credit and debit cards to either a breathalyser or a biosensor linked to your smartphone. Chronicle Live
The most dangerous place to be is in or near a pub according to article on the rise of glassing attacks in the Independent. Although all alcohol-related crime has dropped by a third in the past 20 years, glassing has risen by 10 per cent it reports.
The Express took a look at the signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence, describing it as a 'bio-behavioural disorder,' while VICE looked at 'What two nights of heavy drinking a week in your 20s does to you.'
BMA Council Chair Dr Mark Porter argued the case for tackling obesity, smoking and alcohol use in 'Politicians Ignore The Public Health ‘Ticking Time Bomb’ At Their Peril' for the Huffington Post.
The Guardian and Huffington Post ran opinion pieces on how giving up alcohol improved the writers' mental health.
Giving or serving alcohol to a child or young person in a public place is now an offence in Scotland after new laws were introduced in May. The restrictions are part of the alcohol licensing section of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 and are designed to help police tackle outdoor drinking dens. Other measures which come into force include a “fit and proper person test” which now forms part of the alcohol licensing regime. Express and Star
Research in the news
A third of young adults drink alcohol when they are feeling down with 36% of men reaching for the bottle compared to 28% of women, reported Huffington post. Those aged 55 and over are more likely to stick to healthier methods of stress relief, with 74% opting to go for a stroll and two thirds preparing a healthy meal. The research was published in the Mental Health Foundation's Surviving or Thriving? The state of the UK's mental health
The poorest in society are more likely to suffer the health repercussions of excessive drinking, according to a new study from the University of Glasgow. BBC
Although many people blame drinking for alterations in their usual behaviour, new research shows that there is little shift in character between sober and squiffy. In fact, the only change is that people become more extroverted. But it is simply a louder version of their usual personality, reported the Telegraph. Meanwhile, an online survey by Oxford Brookes University suggests students believe that they are better behaved and more in control than their friends whilst out drinking. The British Psychological Society
Research from the University of Greenwich suggests alcohol is an effective analgesic that delivers clinically-relevant reductions in ratings of pain intensity, which "could explain alcohol misuse in those with persistent pain despite its potential consequences for long-term health". Express
The Telegraph reported a Spanish study that found swapping half a pint of beer for a glass of water could slash the risk of obesity by one fifth.
According to a report from the World Cancer Research Fund, half a glass of wine or a small beer a day increases the risk of breast cancer. BBC and NHS Choices
Also, a review of 45 studies suggests an occasional glass of wine does not benefit your heart, despite the 'widespread myth' of the opposite, said the Daily Mail. Abstainers who once drank harmfully may have been skewing the figures all along.
Researchers from the University of Northumbria investigated how frequently alcohol was mentioned on the radio, choosing three commercial stations with mostly middle-aged or older audiences, plus non-commercial BBC Radio 2, reported the Daily Mail. Alcohol consumption was often portrayed as the norm without negative consequences, and just 5 per cent of references on all stations were about sensible drinking. The Guardian's David Mitchell wasn't impressed with the implications.
Britons are the second worst binge drinkers in Europe, behind the Portuguese, according to the findings of a new survey reported in the Daily Mail. Ireland has the greatest alcohol consumption overall.
However, new research from Mintel suggests that as many as one third (32%) of all Brits have reduced or limited their alcohol intake over the past 12 months in comparison to what they would usually consume. What is more, half (51%) of the nation’s beer, wine and cider drinkers say they are drinking less alcohol than a few years ago
Industry news
Heineken has launched an alcohol-free version of its flagship lager, called Heinieken 0.0. The growth in the alcohol-free market is thought to be driven by increasingly abstemious younger people and the trend for "clean living". Business Insider
Publicans caught selling fake alcohol and subsequently causing the death of a customer would be charged with involuntary manslaughter, a magistrate has warned following the release of a new fraud report. Morning Advertiser
The English Football Association (FA) will consider ending its commercial ties with betting and alcohol firms at the end of the season, reported Reuters. The FA have commercial agreements with Carling, Budweiser and Carlsberg along with a long-term deal with betting company Ladbrokes
There has been a significant rise in the sale of British wines overseas, with Richard Balfour-Lynn, wine producer at Hush Heath Wine Estate thanking Brexit for its impact. He claimed the devaluation of the pound has seen buyers in the United States, Japan and Hong Kong are taking more interest in his home-grown products. Express
Facebook posts by the alcohol delivery service Drink Doctor have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority over complaints that the “irresponsible” ads trivialised addiction. One of the posts for the 24-hour delivery firm read: “People are not addicted to alcohol or drugs, they are addicted to escaping reality,” while another said: “According to chemistry, alcohol is the solution.” Huffington Post
The discount German chain Aldi has beaten upmarket rival Waitrose and specialist online drinks seller Master of Malt to land the title of Drinks Retailer of the Year issued at the Drinks Business Awards. Daily Mail
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