The release of the latest alcohol figures last week prompted a range of media coverage. Reacting to the updated Local Alcohol Profiles (LAPE) showing 954,469 alcohol-related admissions in 2009/09, headlines included 'Two admitted to hospital for alcohol a minute' (The Telegraph) and that 'problem drinking shows a north south split' (BBC).
Further reports picked up on other data collected within the profiles including 'London as worst for alcohol-related crimes'. An official press release acknowledged a 65% rise in admissions over a recent 5 year period, though the rate is slowing.
There were varied interpretations to the news of a 6% fall in consumption - the BBPA reacted to the latest figures as the 'biggest fall in 60 years', whereas Alcohol Concern described it as only a 'small decline'. A blog suggested the media had 'fallen for the industry press release' as the cause of the decline has been variously linked to the recession, the decline in the pub trade, alcohol duty rates and alcohol harm reduction programmes.
Minimum pricing was in the news again, pro-arguments coming from the Guardian's money blog in the article 'Binge drinkers should be priced out', a position supported in a comment piece 'I like a drink, but collectively we have a problem'. An Observer comment disagreed however, calling for policy makers to 'Fix poverty before you go after the drinkers'. The Royal College of Psychiatrists came out in support of minimum pricing urging action to follow Scotland's recent attempt for a 45 pence per unit minimum.
A survey by Drinkaware identified that more than one in three young adults go out to get drunk - see BBC and Telegraph reports. A comment by Release contextualised the findings within UK alcohol policy whilst the Daily Mail went for a report on a 'teenage alcoholic' drinking 3 bottles of wine a day. The BBC recently reported that 'teenage therapy reduces binge drinking'. Drunkenness 'is key to young people's social identity', said Professor Christine Griffin of the University of Bath presenting findings from a report to the British Psychological Society.
The release of Tony Blair's autobiography caused a stir last week as the former PM admitted to regularly drinking as a "prop" and was definitely at "the outer limit". Meanwhile football manager Harry Redknapp criticised the English drinking culture, citing alcohol as the 'main problem' behind recent player scandals. A corresponding feature in The Independent also explored the issue.
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