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Tag Archives: policy

‘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.

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 .

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

Working with Older Drinkers: Alcohol Insight warns of growing need to recognise alcohol problems amongst older people

An Alcohol Insight funded by Alcohol Research UK has explored alcohol problems and treatment needs need amongst older adults. The project found that evidence suggests a significant and growing number of older people are at risk of alcohol-related harm:

DH announce new details for Public Health England & the transfer of public health to Local Authorities

The Department of Health (DH) have released a suite of fact-sheets about the new public health system promised as part of the NHS Reforms . This includes further details of the responsibilities of local government and the operating model for the new Public Health England (PHE), following the Public Health white paper . Public Health England (PHE) will be an executive agency of DH taking national leadership for public health issues

‘Alcohol pricing and taxation policies’: IFS still favours taxation over minimum pricing

The economics think-tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) have published a new report on Alcohol pricing and taxation policies . It echoes many of the findings from a report last year in which it suggested minimum pricing would transfer further profits to industry and retailers, therefore favouring increased taxation.