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'.
A barrage of media reporting followed a major study examining the risks of alcohol consumption, resulting in many headlines stating there was 'no safe level' - BBC. However the research prompted many to call for caution and balance considering the generally very low levels of risk of moderate drinking for most adults. See APUK analysis. The study also included consumption levels across 195 countries with the Telegraph reporting that 'British women are now among the world's biggest drinkers'.
Drink-Drive casualties are at a 'four year high' according to the Guardian. The story follows recent figures from the Department of Transport which show an increase of 7% on the previous year whilst campaigners saying the law gave a “false impression” that it was safe to drink and drive, adding that “even very small amounts of alcohol dramatically affect safe driving”. See APUK analysis.
Pub landlords in the North East have said cheap supermarket alcohol is leading to pub closures following a survey by Balance North East who say 70% of alcohol sold in the North East now bought from supermarkets and off licenses with cuts in alcohol duty not helping pubs by widening the price gap further. Morning Advertiser. Meanwhile 18 pubs a week are closing, with more people choosing to drink at home according to CAMRA. BBC news.
Further reports of airline related alcohol incidents was in the news as 'drunken and ‘unruly’ Tinkerbell and Bob the Builder removed from Ryanair flight by armed police'. The incident follows an EasyJet flight that had been cancelled due to a group of stag do revellers treating the plane "like a nightclub". The Telegraph. Airline arrests are up 50% according to the BBC.
Research & Surveys
A study highlighting the proportion of alcohol consumed by heavy drinkers says the industry rely on them for profit and therefore cannot have genuine motives for promoting 'responsible drinking'. As 77% of all alcohol is drunk by those drinking above the 14 units per week guidelines, the industry could lose £13 billion in profits if all drinkers stuck to the guidelines. The Guardian.
Meanwhile 'around half of people don't know what responsible drinking is' according to several reports following a survey by the Priory. It found 48% of people weren't aware of the 14 units a week guidelines. The Metro.
Hangovers can have serious effects that last into the following day with significant consequences for activities such as driving and working according to new research. The hangover is the most commonly reported negative consequence of alcohol use and is already estimated to cost the UK economy £1.9bn a year due to absenteeism, reported the Independent.
New research indicating alcohol outlet density is linked to hospital admissions for alcohol-related emergency which are significantly higher in areas with the most pubs, bars and clubs has been reported - ITV news. Areas in England with the most pubs, bars and nightclubs had 22% higher hospital admission rates for chronic conditions linked to drinking, such as liver disease, compared with those with the lowest density of alcohol vendors.
Research on mixing energy drinks with alcohol suggests it could 'worsen the negative effects of binge-drinking', according to ITV news. Taurine seemed to increase the fear-reducing properties of alcohol, but also affected social communication.
Other news 
A 'quarter of students know someone at university who they believe is an alcoholic', reported the Independent, while the BBC headline suggested every University 'needs' Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. AA says the number of younger people attending their meetings is on the increase but some responded the headlines were misleading and missed key points about alcohol problems and dependence.
The issue of England sports stars in the news following reported alcohol-related incidents has been contrasted to the hard sanctions imposed on US athletes found guilty of similar offences. Carwyn Jones, professor in sports ethics at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said that a permissive drinking culture pervaded much of elite sport in Britain and it was time for a change. The Guardian.
GPs will 'double' the amount you tell them you drink according to the Telegraph. It follows a survey of doctors by Direct Line Life Insurance found they believed just 40 per cent of patients accurately represent how much alcohol they consume. However "patients should be reassured that GPs are medical professionals, highly trained to have sensitive, non-judgemental conversations about anything that might be affecting their overall health and wellbeing”, Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chairman of the Royal College of GPs responded.
The UK's most expensive pint 'speedway stout' (above right) will set you back a mere £22. The beer, made in California, contains Blue Mountain Coffee from Hawaii as well as other expensive ingredients. At 12% ABV a full pint packs nearly 7 units and per millimetre would be 'more expensive than a bottle of luxury Belvedere vodka', reports the Independent.
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