CAMRA calls on government to rethink drinking advice

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 09 August, 2016

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is calling for the Department of Health to launch a new public consultation into whether alcohol guidelines are fit for purpose and evidenced based.

The UK consumer organisation says that more than half the public disagrees with official health guidelines on alcohol consumption which are "at odds with common sense".

According to new figures from YouGov and published by CAMRA, of 2,040 people surveyed 61% agreed that moderate alcohol consumption could be part of a healthy lifestyle.

And 51% disagreed with the chief medical officers' decision that alcohol guidelines should be the same for men and women.

The figures have been released at the start of the Great British Beer Festival, a celebration of Britain's brewing industry which runs from August 9 to 13.

CAMRA chairman Colin Valentine warned that if the guidelines are not credible and lack evidence, the danger is that people will increasingly ignore them.

"The figures we're releasing today, at the start of the Great British Beer Festival, show that government advice on drinking is at odds with common sense.

"If the government wants people to take the guidance seriously then it needs to present people with realistic and believable advice, which they can use to judge their own risk when it comes to responsible drinking."

He added: "There are decades of international scientific evidence showing that moderate drinking can play an important part in a healthy and happy lifestyle. We would like to see that research reflected in a more grown-up approach to help adults understand the risks and benefits associated with drinking."

CAMRA - an independent, voluntary organisation campaigning for real ale, community pubs and consumer rights - argues that scientific studies have shown that moderate drinking can have a protective effect against various health problems including cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and certain forms of cancer - but says that this is ignored in the new alcohol guidelines.

In May, CAMRA released research which showed the majority of GPs also disagree with the chief medical officers' statement that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.

Also this year, the Friends on Tap report from Oxford University found that those who frequented a pub were happier, healthier and felt more integrated in their communities than those who didn't have a local.

What do you think about the current public health guidelines? Contact Jo at jo.gilbert@agilemedia.co.uk.

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