Alcohol Policy UK

IAS Alert September 2018: cheap alcohol calls, FASD, treatment levy, Diageo & more

The latest Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) Alcohol Alert: September 2018 is now available (here for PDF version). Read the editorial here and articles below:

• COVER STORY – Postcard campaign on cheap drink launched
• FASD a ‘hidden epidemic’
• Pay 3p more for a beer, save lives with an Alcohol Treatment Levy
• MUP boosts alcohol sales for Scottish stores, study says
• Jon Ashworth: Alcohol addiction services will no longer be neglected
• Alcohol industry CSR actions ineffective
• NIAAA tweaks alcohol-cancer link understatement

PHE, Drinkaware & public policy: reaction and debate continues

In the weeks since Public Health England (PHE) announced its partnership with Drinkaware for the 'drink free days' campaign, it has faced widespread criticism. The extent of the concern may have taken some, including PHE, by surprise. However, the fact it has raised the profile of debates about industry-Government partnerships may be seen by critics as an important repercussion.

An open letter expressing concern about the partnership has now been released, calling on UK public health scientists to sign and support its calls for PHE to “work with your Alcohol Leadership Board to formulate and publish guidelines for engagement with the alcohol industry and its associated organisations”. The letter argues the decision has led to significant “reputational risk to PHE’s status as a provider of impartial, evidence-based advice” and its authors are “alarmed by public statements from PHE” in response to concerns raised.

Alcohol labelling 'failing consumers' says Alcohol Health Alliance

The Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) have launched a 'right to know' campaign calling for an end to the self-regulation of alcohol labels which it says is currently 'failing consumers'.

The campaign follows a review of 320 alcohol product labels across 12 UK locations which found 'only 24 labels out of 320 informed consumers of the Chief Medical Officers’ (CMOs) low-risk weekly guideline of 14 units, more than two and a half years after the guideline took effect.'

Primary Care brief interventions 'cost effective': a future priority?

A new study has reported the levels of alcohol brief intervention in Primary Care are 'extremely low' in England and investment through training and incentives would be cost-effective. The study therefore raises questions over what has happened with efforts to implement brief interventions in Primary Care and whether they will be considered as part of the forthcoming national alcohol strategy.

Alcohol Concern call for treatment levy to address services gap

The charity formed by the merger of Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research UK has called for a 1% increase in alcohol duties to raise £100 million each year which it says if invested in alcohol treatment 'could save the NHS and other public services around £300 million annually.' Briefing paper here [pdf].

The charity says this would equate to just 5p more for an average bottle of wine and 3p more for a pint of beer and would allow treatment budgets to be boosted by 50%. In recent years ongoing cuts to treatment budgets have resulted in a 'crisis' which is likely to be behind falling numbers of people receiving formal help. Concerns that the situation will worsen have also been raised as a new public health funding structure comes into effect in 2020.

PHE partner with Drinkaware for 'Drink Free Days' campaign

Public Health England (PHE) has jointly launched a new campaign with the industry funded alcohol education charity Drinkaware to promote 'Drink Free Days'.

According to PHE, the campaign 'will be encouraging middle-aged drinkers to use the tactic of taking more days off from drinking as a way of reducing their health risks from alcohol.' It states evidence suggests 'that simple and easy ways of helping people to change their behaviour are the most effective, which is why Drinkaware and PHE have chosen to focus on Drink Free Days'.

News & updates August 2018: Adrian Chiles creates a stir, guidelines, consumption, pubs & more

Selected media stories since the July update:

A documentary 'Drinkers Like Me' by TV presenter Adrian Chiles was widely reported after airing on BBC 2. During the programme Chiles explored his drinking in which he was shocked to find he was often drinking up to 100 units a week, subsequently discussing its health impacts and role as a social pastime. A Guardian review praised the show as am insight into the 'complicated, conflicted world of boozing', whilst the Telegraph described it as a 'sobering, fascinating and disarmingly honest look at social drinking'.

IAS Alert August 2018: airport alcohol disorder, guidelines and risk, pubs & 'responsible drinking'

The latest Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) Alcohol Alert: August 2018 is now available (here for PDF version). Read the editorial here and articles below:

• COVER STORY – Drunk, disruptive air passenger numbers on the rise
• Alcohol industry relies on heavy drinkers
• No level of alcohol improves health, says The Lancet
• Moderate drinking does not prevent dementia
• Alcohol addiction medications improve patient lives

Lobbying, policy & politics: implications for the new strategy?

The subject of policy, lobbying and politics was recently back in the spotlight following an investigation by Greenpeace's Unearthed. The issue may be of particular significance as the Government plans a new national alcohol strategy for England which will be expected to set out its stance on contested issues including minimum pricing, taxation, treatment funding, advertising and labelling.

Is policy determination 'fair'?

The high profile think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) was recently in the news after its director Mark Littlewood told was filmed telling an undercover reporter for Unearthed that it facilitates an “off the record” forum for corporate donors to discuss their interests with ministers and senior politicians. During Unearthed's undercover video, Littlewood referenced alcohol policy: