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Tag Archives: government

Medical experts warn of "tipping point" in prevantable alcohol deaths

A new comment in The Lancet outlines the opinions of leaders in the medical field that England and Wales are fast reaching a “tipping point” in alcohol harms. Professor Iain Gilmore, former president of the Royal College of Physicians , and Dr Nick Sheron, from the National Institute of Health Research , together with members of the British Society of Gastroenterologists , set out their concerns of a “worst case scenario” of up to 210K preventable deaths over the next 20 years. The projected figures include a possible 70K deaths from liver disease.

Building Safe, Active Communities report supported by £1m local councils fund

A fund to support local action against alcohol harms has been announced by Baroness Newlove, the government's Champion for Active, Safer Communities. A report which captures progress on innovative projects to make communities safer was also released

Minimum pricing speculation continues as Prime Minster speaks out on ‘alcohol scandal’

Alcohol policy hit the headlines again this week with David Cameron talking tough on the “alcohol scandal” costing the NHS close to £3 billion per year. Visiting a hospital in north-east England, the Prime Minister spoke of the unacceptable impact of public drunkenness on the NHS and police services across the country. Cameron called for “innovative” approaches including “drunk tanks” to divert the intoxicated from busy A&Es, and for further enforcement from police to tackle alcohol-fuelled disorder

‘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.

Public Health Outcomes Framework released: spend should reflect local needs; alcohol admissions data to be reviewed

The NHS Public Health Outcomes Framework has been published, aiming to tackle public health challenges through moving public health back into local government.

Home Office consultation on late night levy & restriction orders as trade warns of on-trade burden

The Home Office have opened a consultation on new powers due to be brought in under Licensing Act reforms . The consultation is seeking specific responses on the late night levy and Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMROs) as measures to help curb late night drinking problems. See the press release here .

MPs call for alcohol guidelines to be reviewed – and emphasise ‘alcohol free days’

MPs on the Science and Technology Committee have called for greater efforts to help the public understand alcohol guidelines . It also calls for a further scientific review to build public confidence, although based on the evidence presented the guidelines should not be relaxed. See here for the report chapters or the full report here

Adopting healthier lifestyles could prevent 40% of cancers

Cancer Research UK have highlighted the significant role of lifestyle choices in up to 40% of cancers . More than 100,000 cancers – equivalent to one third of all those diagnosed in the UK each year – are being caused by smoking , unhealthy diets , alcohol and excess weight , the Charity says .

News & updates Dec 2011: Scotland’s multi-buy ban ‘working’; minimum pricing debate continues; 313 DBOs announced; ‘Dry bars’ and ‘Booze Buses’

Scotland's ban on multi-buy deals has reduced sales, according to figures from retail analysts Nielsen. Sales of wine fell 5%, spirits by 3% and beer by 8% during the first eight weeks of the ban compared to 2010. See reports from the BBC and the Herald .

Alcohol-related hospital admissions up 9%, doubling over a decade

The latest data for alcohol-attributable conditions has shown a 9% rise on the previous year, resulting in a doubling over the decade. For 2010/11 the figure is 1,898 alcohol-related admissions per 100,000 population in England, up from 926 admissions per 100,000 in 2002/03.