Following the announcement by the Home Office of the planned mandatory code of practice for the drinks industry, the British Liver Trust has expressed its disappointment at the further delay to effective measures to reduce excessive drinking.
“Once again it is a ‘wait and see’ policy, studded with yet more consultations and further reports,” says Alison Rogers, the Trust’s Chief Executive.
“We have been hearing this for more than ten years now and watched while the nation’s health deteriorates. Good intentions are easy to express – it is action we need.”
The Trust welcomes the proposal to introduce a mandatory code of practice but points out that the ScHARR review has clearly identified a strong relationship between alcohol price and health harm from alcohol consumption: “We are surprised that the government doesn’t see this as a green light to take effective action on cut price alcohol.,” says Ms Rogers
Department of Health consultations and independent reviews have already provided strong evidence showing that price increases and taxation (if passed on to the retail price) would have a significant effect in reducing demand for alcohol, and that the young, binge drinkers, and harmful drinkers are all inclined to buy cheaper drinks.
There has also been extensive consultation relating to labelling, unit and health information. Yet the Government is also intending to commission a second independent survey of industry compliance relating to these issues. “This could well be a further delaying tactic,”’ added Ms Rogers.
The British Liver Trust has already highlighted the urgent need to reduce the easy availability of cheap alcohol which continues to allow people to binge drink (twice the recommended daily limit) for less than the price of a sandwich.
“This would end the practice of alcohol being made available at ‘pocket money prices’ in many retailers. Alcohol has become increasingly affordable since the 1970s and far more easily accessible through supermarkets and other outlets. Encouraging larger purchases at special discounts is simply fuelling consumption.’
The Trust continues to lobby for greater awareness of the health harm excessive drinking can bring and for better labelling to ensure understanding of the number of units and strength of alcoholic drinks.
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For further information please contact:
Imogen Shillito or Sonia Aarons
Phone: 01425 481 320
Out of hours: 07834 787903
Email: pressoffice@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Email: sonia.aarons@britishlivertrust.org.uk or
Imogen.shillito@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Web: www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
British Liver Trust, 2 Southampton Road,
Ringwood, BH24 1HY
Editor’s Note:
1. The British Liver Trust is Britain’s only national liver disease charity for adults. We work to improve the lives of people suffering from liver disease with key roles in education, support and research.
2. The ScHARR reports can be accessed at: http://www.dh.gov.uk
3. Liver disease is one of the UK’s five ‘big killers’ and the only one on the rise. The Trust is working urgently to encourage prevention and investment in treatment and care for people with liver disease. Much of the increasing incidence of liver disease stems from lifestyle trends – relating to alcohol, obesity and viral hepatitis. However, liver disease has many other causes including genetics, abnormalities in the immune system and even the medicines we take. The Trust is working to raise awareness about the liver and combat the stigma associated with liver disease.
The Trust provides a comprehensive website www.britishlivertrust.org.uk, free medical helpline – 0800 652 7330, and distributes a wide range of information leaflets to individuals and healthcare professionals. In addition, the Trust is a contact point for support groups nationwide, as well as co-ordinating funding and providing support for research. |