MPs say alcohol guidelines should be reviewed

Published: 30 July, 2009

MPs on the Commons Public Committee have released a report stating the Government should consider whether the current safe drinking and alcohol unit guidelines are "fit for purpose."

The report, Reducing Alcohol Harm revealed that 77 per cent of people have no idea how many units are contained in a typical large, 250ml, glass of wine. Two fifths of people do not know what the current recommended daily limits for units of alcohol are and ten million adults are currently drinking more than the recommended limits of two to three units a day for women and three to four for men with two alcohol-free days a week.

The Committee said the system should be assessed to see if it is still "fit for purpose" or should be replaced with something more readily understood". It also stated there was a "widespread and longstanding lack of clarity in the minds of the public" over how many units it is safe to drink.

MPs also called for greater co-ordination of policies affecting alcohol consumption and for unit labelling to be made compulsory on alcoholic drinks. Currently it's claimed, only three per cent of alcohol containers have full labels showing alcohol content and units. Unless this proportion increases the report proposes that the Government should consider introducing a mandatory scheme, if a review this year does not show a "significant improvement".

Tory MP Edward Leigh, Public Accounts Committee chair, said: "Too many people are drinking too much. In England, nearly a third of all men and a fifth of all women are regularly drinking more than the official guidelines say they should.

"In doing so, many are on course to damaging their health and general well-being.

"The burden on local health services is of course huge."

Reacting to report examining the current performance of the NHS in addressing alcohol harm, Chris Sorek, chief executive of Drinkaware, said:

"There is no doubt that too many people are drinking too much, not only putting themselves at risk of major health problems but also placing a huge burden on the NHS. In addition to health services for people suffering from the effects of alcohol misuse, preventative methods are also key. Education must play a central role in tackling alcohol misuse - it's imperative that people know what they're drinking and how it will affect them."

Gavin Partington spokesman for the Wine and Sprits Educational Association said: " We have worked in support of the Government "Know your Limits," campaign to provide unit awareness at point of sale to help people make an informed decision.

"Any alternative to current guidelines would have to be agreed at a pan-European level to ensure consumers and businesses are dealing with a consistent approach."

For a list of unit guidelines - drinkaware.co.uk

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