12.08.14
MPs call for health warning on alcohol labels
A health warning should be introduced on all alcohol labels to combat problem drinking, a parliamentary group has stated.
The All Parliamentary Party Group (APPG) on Alcohol Misuse has called on all political parties to minimise alcohol related harm in the UK.
In its latest report – Manifesto 2015 – 10 measures have been recommended including a call for the toughening up of alcohol advertising regulations, a phased ban on alcohol sponsorship, an increase in funding for treatment and the introduction of minimum unit pricing.
Tracey Crouch MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Misuse, said: “Due to alcohol, one person is killed every hour and 1.2 million people are admitted to hospital a year.
“Getting political parties to seriously commit to these 10 measures will be a massive step in tackling the huge public health issue that alcohol is.”
The move has been welcomed by Alcohol Concern, a leading national charity working on alcohol issues. Its chief executive Jackie Ballard stated that alcohol misuse costs Britain £21bn a year.
She added that urgent action is needed to tackle this and the significant harmful effects alcohol misuse causes to individuals. “I hope all parties will read the manifesto and show a commitment to the vital measures which it highlights,” Ballard said.
But Sarah Hanratty, deputy chief executive of the Portman Group, which was established by the UK's leading alcohol producers to promote responsible drinking, said 80% of people drank “well within” the government's recommended guidelines.
A government spokeswoman said: “We are taking action to reduce excessive alcohol consumption and to give people better information about the impact drinking can have on your health.
“Through our Responsibility Deal, the drinks industry has committed to putting unit and health messages on 80% of all bottles and cans. And we have banned alcohol sales below the level of duty plus VAT to tackle the worst cases of very cheap and harmful alcohol.”
(Image: c. David Jones)
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]