A new report shows that alcohol consumption in England much higher than reported

27 Feb 2013
Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s shadow public health minister, responds to the news that alcohol consumption in England much higher than reported
 
Research published in the European Journal of Public Health, embargoed until February 27, finds that over three quarters of people in England could be drinking in excess of the recommended daily alcohol limit. The researchers say that it is currently unknown who consumes nearly half of all of the alcohol sold in England, as self-reported alcohol consumption only accounts for 40-60% of alcohol sales.

Diane Abbott said:

‘This has got to be a wake-up call for the government and the country, because after more than two years of bitter internal rows, the government has got cold feet about its only proposed alcohol harm policy. More needs to be done to tackle problem drinking, which costs the country £21bn - money we cannot afford. I’m absolutely clear that we need to see huge change in our hospitals and high streets – nothing short of a political and cultural earthquake.

‘Labour support a minimum unit price but it won’t work on its own and the Government has so far resisted stronger action on prevention. Educating young people on the risks of alcohol has been removed from the curriculum, and the Government voted against our proposals for stronger licensing powers for local councils to take action in their areas.’

--ENDS--

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