Alcohol Policy UK

BBPA 'sales to drunks' posters - enough to change behaviour?

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has "rejuvenated" its poster campaign which aims to help raise awareness of the laws prohibiting selling alcohol to or on behalf of someone intoxicated - BBPA press release.

The BBPA says it has worked alongside Drinkaware and National Pubwatch to create the campaign, which "aims to support staff in upholding these laws and ensuring a safe and sociable drinking environment".

However the extent to which posters can change the behaviour of either bar servers or customers is uncertain; indeed posters designed to promote responsible drinking have been shown to potentially have the opposite intended effect.

PHE CLeaR alcohol self-assessment tool to support local strategy

Public Health England (PHE) have released an alcohol CLeaR self-assessment tool which aims to 'bring together all those working to reduce alcohol-related harm in a locality to think through what is working well and to identify the opportunities for further improvement'.

CLeaR stands for 3 linked domains in local alcohol strategy planning, adopted from a similar model for smoking:

Evaluation of Reduce The Strength schemes in two London Boroughs

In recent years a growing number of off-licenses have been reportedly agreeing to adopt 'Reducing The Strength' (RtS) initiatives, whereby shops agree not to sell beer or cider of 6.5% ABV or above.

In 2014 we reported on these schemes which were being said to have positive impacts on street drinking and other issues, despite sections of the trade raising concerns or suggesting the opposite effect in some areas.

Evaluation of Liverpool 'wet centre' for street drinkers

An evaluation of a 'wet centre' to reduce street drinking issues in Liverpool has been released by Liverpool John Moores University's Centre for Public Health.

The Rehabilitation, Education, Support & Treatment (REST) Centre ran as a pilot from June to September 2015. Delivered by local homeless providers commissioned by Liverpool's Citysafe Partnership, it has since been set up on a more permanent basis.

Emergency Department reports: interventions and 'frequent attenders'

Adapted with permission from content originally posted on the Alcohol Research UK website:

Hospital Emergency Departments are often at the frontline when it comes to dealing with the harmful effects of alcohol. Although we lack precise details, it is estimated that up to 35% of ED and ambulance costs may be alcohol-related.

Changing the environment? Nudging pubs and zero alcohol awards

Two initiatives encouraging products and places that support those who want to drink less or abstain have plans to develop further. As non-industry led projects, they raise interesting questions over the role and scope of influencing drinking environments.

Zero alcohol awards

Alcohol Concern recently concluded its first 'Zero Alcohol Awards' programme to recognise and reward the range of zero-alcohol drinks provided by retailers, bars and pubs across the country. Sponsored by Britvic, it also aimed to recognise innovators bringing new products to the market and creating new environments to enjoy them in.

Licensing Act has caused 'significant problems' for communities says IAS report

An extensive review of the 2003 Licensing Act has identified a number of problems associated with the Act and its implementation, finding the interests of the licensed trade have benefited over those of local communities.

‘The Licensing Act (2003): its uses and abuses 10 years on [pdf]’ calls into question the impact of the Act from the perspective of reducing alcohol-related harms, though of course such issues are not easily separated from the benefits of the trade. See here for the summary report [pdf] and podcast.

Partnership and personal responsibility: alcohol policy now within crime strategy

The existence of a national alcohol strategy for England is arguably no more; a new crime prevention strategy has set out alcohol-related crime objectives, but signals the end of a central policy also covering health and other areas previously unified in a single document.

In 2004 the first national strategy for England set out a framework spanning prevention, treatment, crime, and other key areas. Largely viewed as only any good for getting the ball rolling, it was subsequently met with the expansive 'Safe. Sociable. Sensible' strategy and local toolkit in 2007.

Liverpool project reduces sales to 'drunks'

A new evaluation report shows that the illegal sale of alcohol to intoxicated customers in Liverpool was reduced by an intervention designed to improve awareness and enforcement of server law.

Download 'Evaluation of the Liverpool Drink Less Enjoy More intervention' [pdf]

The project evolved from an earlier 'Say No To Drunks' initiative developed by local agencies, which aimed to address the sale of alcohol to intoxicated customers in the city’s nightlife through a 'multi-component approach'. It aimed to increase awareness of legislation; support bar staff compliance with the law; provide a strong deterrence to selling alcohol to drunks; and promote responsible drinking amongst nightlife users.

News & updates September 2015: stressed mums, hangover prevention, beer goggles & sober students

Selected alcohol media reports since the August roundup:

Alcohol research

British doctors and scientists have developed a pioneering technology that could save the lives of hundreds of people with livers damaged by alcohol abuse and obesity, reported the Mirror.

Stressed mothers are increasingly turning to wine after the school run, according to a report which suggests parents with children at home are the most likely to have a drink problem. Telegraph