Alcohol Policy UK

Alcohol treatment in the prison system: fit for purpose?

A new Ministry of Justice (MoJ) analysis raises further questions over alcohol treatment options for prisoners. The MoJ 'Data Lab report [pdf] assesses the outcomes of 435 offenders engaged with the Forward Trust Alcohol Dependence Treatment Programme (ADTP) but found no improvement in outcomes compared with a comparison group.

Previous reports have raised questions over the availability and research of alcohol interventions in the criminal justice system and likely impacts on re-offending. The Forward Trust (formerly RAPt and Blue Sky) who deliver the ADTP programme in a number of prisons however claim it is still effective in reducing re-offending and that the original ‘Rapt’ 12 step treatment programme showed a 65% reduction in crime.

Further calls for alcohol advertising regulation review as venue digital marketing examined

New research released by Alcohol Research UK says advertising regulation needs to be strengthened to better regulate alcohol marketing on social media. The new study finds social media presents 'new, and significant, challenges to the current regulatory regime' of alcohol marketing which is not able to keep pace with the changes in modern technology and advertising practices.

Download ‘All night long: Social media marketing to young people by alcohol brands and venues’ [pdf].

The report finds that:

Findings bulletins: brief advice, prevention, baclofen, acupuncture

Recent bulletins from the Findings drug and alcohol bank:

Delivered in under 10 minutes, are ultra-brief interventions effective?

The hectic and fast-paced environment of the emergency department is not always considered conducive to even a brief alcohol intervention. While in principle further shortening the time of the intervention would make delivery more feasible, on important patient outcomes an effective ultra-brief intervention in this setting has yet to be found

Preventing alcohol- and tobacco-exposed pregnancies

In the USA the CHOICES Plus trial tested a bundle of ‘pre-conception’ services for risky drinking, smoking, and ineffective contraception. Significant reductions in the risk of pregnancies exposed to alcohol and tobacco suggest the package may be feasible and effective, but would it transfer to the UK context?

Alcohol and Families Alliance calls for further policy action

A new report from the Alcohol and Families Alliance (AFA) calls for further action to address alcohol-related harms affecting children and families.

Download Families First: An evidence-based approach to protecting UK families from alcohol-related harm (pdf)

In addition to setting out many of the ways in which children and families are affected by alcohol-related harms, the report makes 12 recommendations including improving support for carers and families, improving information for parents and addressing the wider impact of alcohol in society.

Events & dates 2018: Alcohol & Travel, Stigma, Sociology, UKCTAS, MCA and more

Forthcoming alcohol conferences and events in 2018:

Alcohol Concern2018: 'On the Move'

Alcohol Concern Cymru's 2018 conference on the theme of alcohol and travel takes place in Newport, Wales on the 19th September. The conference looks at developments 50 years since the introduction of the breathalyser but recent rises in alcohol-related incidents on planes and aims to consider how policymakers can strike the right balance between promoting public safety and ensuring our continued freedom to enjoy alcohol in public spaces. See here for the conference agenda and here for further information and booking.

Fit for purpose? Report calls for review of alcohol marketing self-regulation

A new report released by Alcohol Concern explores the role of the Portman Group in the self-regulation of alcohol marketing and promotion, urging the Government to review the current "ineffective" framework as part of its forthcoming national alcohol strategy.

Download 'Fit for Purpose? An analysis of the role of the Portman Group in alcohol industry self-regulation' [pdf]

The Portman Group's Independent Complaints Panel adjudicates on complaints against the naming, packaging and promotion of alcoholic drinks in the UK according to its ‘Code of Practice’, which aligns with the relevant codes developed by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

News & updates June 2018: airports, teenagers, U-shaped curves, consumption & more

Selected media stories since the May roundup:

A forthcoming consultation on how alcohol is sold at airports has been reported. With increasing numbers of alcohol-related problems on flights and at airports over recent years, calls have been made to review the licensing exemptions at airports. A Home Office spokesperson said: “We will issue a Call for Evidence to assess the impact that an extension of the Licensing Act to airside premises at airports in England and Wales could have on reducing alcohol-related disruptive passenger behaviour.”

The “smoke and mirror” tactics of defence lawyers in drink-driving cases have been criticised by the government’s forensic science regulator, who has launched an investigation into the work of a number of expert witnesses. Guardian