Response to Health Select Committee on alcohol - Drinkaware says education is key to preventing alcohol-related deaths
14 May 2009
Reacting to the evidence given at a Health Select Committee on alcohol today, which suggested that introducing a minimum price for alcohol 'would prevent 3,400 alcohol deaths', Chris Sorek, Chief Executive of The Drinkaware Trust, says:
"Binge drinking is a symptom of our national alcohol culture and tackling its misuse, and in turn reducing alcohol-related hospital admissions, will require a range of measures.
"Changing attitudes and behaviour towards alcohol is essential to tackling alcohol misuse – and education has a key role to play. People need to know how alcohol can affect their physical and mental health to make informed choices about their drinking. Tips on cutting back, calculating units* and spacing alcoholic drinks with soft drinks, also go a long way to minimising alcohol-related harm.
"As an independent charity, Drinkaware is here to provide the facts and tips to ensure people have all the knowledge and advice they need to enjoy alcohol without putting themselves at harm. People can find out more about alcohol and calculate the units they're drinking by visiting www.drinkaware.co.uk."
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To interview a Drinkaware spokesperson, please contact:
Becky Medhurst
Communications Officer
Email: bmedhurst@drinkawaretrust.org.uk
tel: 020 7307 7453
mob: 07827 971 740
Notes to editors:
*Drinkaware advises men to stick to the recommended guidelines of 3-4 units of alcohol per day (a pint of lager) and women to stick to 2-3 units per day (a 175ml glass of wine).
Drinkaware (www.drinkaware.co.uk) provides consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles. Our public education programmes, grants, expert information, and resources help create awareness and affect positive change. An independent charity established in 2007, Drinkaware works with the medical profession, the alcohol industry, government and independent members to achieve its goals
- Page last updated by
- Root User, 19 Apr 2010.
