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Category Archives: UK Alcohol Policy

News & updates Feb 2012: MPs debate alcohol policy; Scotland’s 45 minimum pricing impact revised

Alcohol strategy gets Westminster debate A Westminster debate on alcohol policy and the forthcoming strategy has been highlighted by Alcohol Concern – see part 1 and part 2 of the debate which includes statements from MPs across the parties. Public health Minister Anne Milton said the forthcoming national strategy included ambition to “remove a significant number of units of alcohol from the UK market through changes in how alcohol is produced and sold”. See a Morning Advertiser (MA) report or the the Daily Mail's take

New Guidance for Mental Health Liaison services highlights role of alcohol in mental health problems

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has released guidance for Commissioners of Mental Health Liaison Services in Acute Care.

Latest Findings alcohol research: licesning, treatment and student based interventions

Recent research from the drug and alcohol Bank : Licensing Late opening for pubs and bars aggravates alcohol-related harm UK research is inconclusive, but international research from developed nations reviewed for a national US task force supports the belief that increasing on-licence opening hours leads to more drinking and more alcohol-related harm. Weekend alcohol sales equals more weekend alcohol-related harm International research from developed nations reviewed for a national US task force offers some support for the belief that allowing or disallowing Saturday or Sunday alcohol sales affects drinking and alcohol-related harm. Treatment and recovery Home visits cost-effectively aid alcohol treatment In Brazil adding home visits to a three-month alcohol detoxification and treatment programme cost-effectively increased the abstinence rate at the end of treatment.

‘Don’t let drink sneak up on you’ – new Change4Life alcohol campaign launched

A new Change 4 Life alcohol campaign, 'Don't let the drinks sneak up on you', has been launched – see the press release , TV advert and Change4Life alcohol pages including a new tool to check your drinking . The campaign warns against drinking above lower risk guidelines , highlighting the potential impacts on long term health.

‘Tackling alcohol misuse: Should abstinence be our preferred approach?’ British Liver Trust call for public health action on alcohol

The British Liver Trust have released a new report outlining the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling alcohol misuse. It warns against a “one size fits all approach for treatment” for a range of problem drinkers “each of whom will need tailored approach with the interventions and appropriate treatment goals.” Download 'Reducing alcohol harm: recovery and informed choice for those with alcohol related health problems' A supporting commentary piece by Andrew Langford , Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust also appeared in the Guardian .

Alcohol Concern urges action on minimum pricing ahead of new national alcohol strategy

Alcohol Concern are calling on the public to urge MPs to push for minimum pricing ahead of the forthcoming national alcohol strategy. Alcohol Concern state: The next few weeks will be our last chance to influence the shape of the alcohol strategy, which will shape public policy on reducing alcohol harm for years to come.

Small rise in alcohol-related death in 2010

A slight rise in alcohol-related deaths has been reported for 2010 according to the ONS ( report here ). Figures show a rise of 126 to 8,790 from 8,664 in 2009. Last year a slight fall was reported , though Alcohol Concern Chief Executive Don Shenker attriuted the drop to a fall in consumption triggered by the recession.

Events and updates: Alcohol Research UK 72nd symposium & studentships; rolling out brief inteventions in Scotland; last call for New Directions…

Forthcoming events The 72nd Alcohol Problems Research Symposium is calling for abstracts or other presentation suggestions for the Spring 2012 meeting to take place Stonecross Manor Hotel in Cumbria on the 14th and 15th March. The meeting is part of a long-running series of friendly events in which Alcohol Research UK is helping to organise with Professor Moira Plant, Emerita Professor of Alcohol Studies at the University of the West of England.

Lower strength drinks heralded as Stella Artois, Becks and Budweiser switch to 4.8% & ‘mid-strength’ 2.8% Guinness announced

Brewing giants AB InBev will reduce the strength of popular lagers in the UK from the end of this month to keep line with “evolving UK category trends”. The world's largest brewer will reduce the % Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of its popular lagers Stella Artois, Budweiser and Becks from 5% ABV to 4.8% ABV. See Daily Mail report .

Alcohol research updates web based reviews: online peer support; web-based self-help; online feedback to students

The role of online peer-support? A new Insight from Alcohol Research UK has explored the value of alcohol-related online support groups to their users