Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP); Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) and Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS)
PRESS RELEASE
UK Health Campaigners welcome new House of Lords Report on EU Alcohol Strategy
Alcohol Health campaigners across the UK have strongly welcomed a new report from the House of Lords European Union Committee calling for a new EU Alcohol Strategy and support for member states to implement evidence-based alcohol policies at national level.
Katherine Brown, Director of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, said:
"We welcome the recommendations made by the House of Lords. They provide some much needed common sense at a time when the EU Alcohol Strategy appears to be the victim of bureaucratic blunders in Brussels. With alcohol use the third leading cause of death and disability in Europe, the absence of a comprehensive policy to tackle this issue is indefensible.
"The European Commission has repeatedly ignored calls from Member States and public health professionals for a new EU Alcohol Strategy. We cannot afford any further delays, so let's hope that this report provides impetus for action."
Eric Carlin, Director, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, said:
“A new European Union alcohol strategy should serve to support member states to implement public health policies which are going to be effective for their own populations. In Scotland, this includes Alcohol Minimum Unit Pricing, legislated for in 2012 but stuck in the European Court of Justice because of the relentless and ruthless opposition by global alcohol producers.”
“We welcome the call for reform of the EU alcohol taxation regime to enable Member States to raise duties on the most harmful substances. Health advocates across the UK will also welcome the Lords’ call on the UK Government to follow the Scottish lead in legislating for Minimum Unit Pricing.”
Barbara O’Donnell, Deputy Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said:
“The House of Lords have highlighted once again how global alcohol producers cynically distort research evidence and obstruct policy measures that could save lives in Scotland, across the UK and Europe. This must stop and the alcohol industry’s role should be strictly limited to its role as producers, marketers and sellers of alcohol.”
“We welcome the recommendations made by the House of Lords which would serve to greatly strengthen a new and much needed EU Alcohol Strategy.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), established by the Scottish Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties is the medical and clinical voice on alcohol in Scotland, raising awareness of alcohol-related issues. www.shaap.org.uk
For interview/comment, contact Eric Carlin, Director on 0750 5081784
Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS): The core aim of IAS is to serve the public interest on public policy issues linked to alcohol, by advocating for the use of scientific evidence in policy-making to reduce alcohol-related harm. The IAS is a company limited by guarantee, No 05661538 and registered charity, No 1112671. www.ias.org.uk.
For interview/comment, contact Katherine Brown, Director, on 0207 222 4001
Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS) is Scotland’s national alcohol charity, working to reduce alcohol harm to individuals, families, communities and Scotland as a whole through the implementation of effective alcohol control policies and legislation. Our mission is to play a leading role in creating a world where alcohol is no longer a major cause of harm, and our vision is a future free from widespread health and social harm caused by alcohol.
For interview/comment, contact Jennifer Curran, Programme Lead, on 0141 572 6281
