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UK health and trade bodies join forces to curb alcohol abuse in Europe

Published:  23 July, 2008

The Royal College of Physicians and the British Beer and Pub Association are among nearly 50 businesses, trade bodies and health organisations that have committed to curbing alcohol abuse across Europe

Speaking at the European Alcohol and Health Forum meeting in Brussels today (April 16), EU Commissioner for Health, Androulla Vassiliou said she welcomed the commitments by the 46 organisations and businesses to act responsibility to reduce the impact of alcohol abuse on European states.

The total number of commitments from companies and health groups has now hit 78 since the forum was set-up 10 months ago.

Commitments from UK members include those from the British Beer and Pub Association, the British Retail Consortium, Institute of Alcohol Studies and Royal College of Physicians.

Vassiliou said: "I am impressed by the number and scope of the commitments by members within these first 10 months of the forum's existence.

"We shall be ambitious. More can and should be done to achieve results. We need to continue this good collaborative effort and I look forward to seeing these commitments translated into concrete action."

However, she urged the alcoholic beverages industry, in particular, to market their products responsibly, and not to target adolescents.

"All relevant stakeholders are called upon to contribute to changing attitudes and behaviours, especially among young people.

"We simply cannot accept that the inappropriate use of alcohol damages the health - and destroys the education and employment perspectives - of so many young men and women," she said.

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