Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Safe, sensible, social: the national alcohol strategy

5 June 2007

The government's new alcohol strategy ensures laws and licensing powers tackling alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder are used properly.

The new alcohol strategy also sharpens the focus on that minority of drinkers who cause the most harm - to themselves, their communities and their families.

At the heart of this document is the desire to reduce the health damage, violence and anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol misuse, while ensuring that the majority of the population can continue to enjoy alcohol safely and responsibly.

Problem drinkers

The country's problem drinkers are most likely to be:

  • 18-24 year old binge drinkers
  • drinkers under age 18
  • adult drinkers who don't realise their habits are damaging their health

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said everyone has a personal responsibility to drink in a safe, sensible and social way.

'Most people in this country do drink safely and responsibly, but the evidence of the damage caused by those who don't is plain to see. Alcohol abuse still costs us £20 billion a year in crime and damage to health,' Mr Coaker said.

Key actions

Key actions in the strategy include:

  • sharpened criminal justice for drunken behaviour
  • a review of NHS spending on alcohol-related health issues
  • more help for those who want to drink less
  • tougher enforcement of underage drinking laws
  • public consultation on alcohol pricing and promotion
  • compulsory local alcohol strategies

Keep an eye on how much you drink

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said, 'Many people don't keep an eye on the amount of alcohol they drink, so they don't realise the damage they're doing to their health.'

Young People's Minister Parmjit Dhanda agreed, and said the problem disproportionately affected young drinkers.

'The evidence we've looked at suggests young people are drinking at a younger age and in greater quantities than before,' Mr Dhanda said.

This new strategy will help them and their parents make informed decisions about when they're mature enough to drink, and will let them know how much alcohol is safe to consume.

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