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Drinkaware's response to the Health Select Committee report on alcohol policy

12 Jan 2010

Reacting to a report from the Health Select Committee on Alcohol, which calls for an overhaul of the Government’s alcohol policy, Chris Sorek, Chief Executive of alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware, says:

“Binge drinking is one of the biggest blights on today’s society and it’s imperative that action is taken to minimise the grim effects of alcohol misuse. The financial and social impact of alcohol misuse affects everyone, whether they drink alcohol or not.

“No one solution on its own will tackle the British drinking culture - a range of measures are needed to combat the harm caused by alcohol misuse. Education plays a critical role – all too often people are drinking without knowing about units, health risks or sometimes even the strength of their favourite drink.

“Changing the drinking culture in Britain won’t happen overnight, but with the right support, information and advice, people can assess their drinking habits and the role alcohol plays in their lives and start to change their attitudes and behaviour for the better.

“People need to know that alcohol misuse can have a harmful effect on their physical and mental health, personal safety and relationships – without knowing this, it will be difficult for them to make the right choices about drinking. Tips on cutting back and advice on keeping track of your units also helps to minimise alcohol-related harm. People can find out more about alcohol and calculate the units* they're drinking by visiting www.drinkaware.co.uk."

-Ends-

For more information please contact:
Laura Ellis
Communications Assistant, Drinkaware
Email: lellis@drinkaware.co.uk
tel: 020 7307 7459
mob: 078 2797 1740

Notes to editors:

• *Drinkaware advises men to stay within the recommended guidelines of 3-4 units of alcohol per day (equivalent of a pint and a half of lager) and women to stay within 2-3 units per day (equivalent of a 175ml glass of wine).
• Drinkaware 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 effect positive change. An independent charity established in 2007, Drinkaware works alongside the medical profession, the alcohol industry and government to achieve its goals. For further information visit www.drinkaware.co.uk

Page last updated by: Root User, 19 Apr 2010.