Poor alcohol regulation could cost up to 250.000 lives in England and Wales over the next years, doctor warn. The scientists predicted UK deaths from liver disease in four different scenarios. Drinking levels there were reduced by imposing strict marketing restrictions.
The medics, led by Professor Sir Ian Gilmore who has long campaigned for action on alcohol misuse, welcomed the coalition government’s plans to keep duty rises on alcohol at 2% above inflation. ” Alcohol is not an ordinary commodity like soap powder,” said Sir Ian. Sir Ian said recent figures had shown a slight decline in the level of alcohol consuption.
The doctors also criticise government moves to include representatives from the drinks trade but no alcohol heath experts on it ” responsibility deal” board, which will help steer public health policy on drinking.
Don Shenker of Alcohol Concern added : ” Government need to decide whose side it is on, that of the general public or drinks industry shareholders? David Poley, chief executive of the Portman Group, which also represents UK drink producers, said: ” Latest government statistics show alcohol related deaths actually fell in the UK last year and we want to see that continue.
“That’s why the industry puts its energies into funding health education campaigns and working with people who are serious about reducing alcohol misuse in the UK. A Department of Health spokeswomen said : ” The government has wasted no time in taking tough action to tackle problem drinking, including plans to stop supermarkets selling below cost alcohol and working to introduce a tougher licensing regime.” She claimed the government was “taking a bold new approach” to public health.
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