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
Health
MailOnline published 'shocking' images showing the difference between a healthy heart and that of a heavy drinker. The report came from a study of 141 alcoholic cardiomyopathy patients, which found that 13.5 per cent carry a mutation in the gene titin, which is critical to maintaining heart muscle flexibility.
The organisms the body produces to clear toxic chemicals from alcohol are the same ones it needs to protect the heart from damage, reported the MailOnline, saying alcohol can strengthen the heart because it teaches cells how to cope with stress, according to new research.
Teenage girls who regularly drink large volumes of alcohol may fail to reach their peak bone mass, according to new research. The US study found those who had frequently binged since high school had lower bone mass in their spines than their peers. Independent
Meanwhile, binge drinking may raise blood pressure in younger men. US researchers found men who drank 5 or more alcoholic drinks in a day several times a year had higher blood pressure and total cholesterol than those who didn't. NHS Choices
Following the sudden death of superstar DJ Avicii (pictured), the Guardian explored pancreatitis in 'Binge-drink Britain: how one weekend bender can ruin your life'.
The Independent looked at the dangers of suddenly stopping chronic heavy drinking in 'Why alcohol withdrawal can be deadly'.
People who don’t drink at all are more likely to take sick days off work than their peers who drink a moderate amount, a new study has found. Researchers investigating the “U-shaped” relationship between alcohol and absenteeism in the UK, France and Finland, found sickness rates were higher in people who drank heavily or not at all, reported the Independent and others. NHS Choices unpacked the evidence and concluded that the study supports sticking to recommended alcohol guidelines of 14 units a week.
Industry news
'Mixed reviews' for minimum pricing, according to retailers speaking to the Scottish Grocer. Positive impacts reported included fewer anti-social behaviour incidents, switching to lower strength drinks and increased business for local convenience stores over supermarkets, while some suggested shoplifting had resulted.
UK beer sales dropped by 1.7% to their lowest point in two years, according to new data from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), as alcohol consumption worldwide continues to steadily fall. The Drinks Business. Another Drinks Business article states 'Brits are turning away from drink thanks to a societal move towards healthier lifestyles, as well as economic pressures at home caused by Britain’s imminent departure from the EU'.
The Great British Beer Festival will be offering an alcohol-free beer range for the very first time from Dutch-based craft brewer Braxzz. This will be the first year that a non-alcoholic beer range will be available at the festival, which has been running since 1977. The Drinks Business
The British Beer & Pub Association has welcomed a move to extend the threshold for low-alcohol beers that can benefit from reduced duty rates. Morning Advertiser. Meanwhile industry bodies are backing the role of low alcohol drinks in response to consumer demand according to the Guardian's Millenials make it a slow booze summer in the UK.
New figures published by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association have shown that annual sales of rum in Britain have topped £1billion for the first time, now ranking it alongside whisky and gin as one of the nation's favourite tipples. Express
Other news
People taken into police custody in Gwent after committing low-level crimes while drunk could now be offered the chance to go on an alcohol awareness course instead of being taken to court. The scheme, which is similar to the speed awareness course for drivers, will see some offenders given the chance to pay £46.50 for the interactive course as opposed to a criminal record and a fine. WalesOnline
App based taxi giant Uber is reportedly developing technology to determine whether users are 'drunk or high'. The Guardian article explored the potential uses of such information, notably highlighting potential abuses and Uber's past data issues.
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