Doctors have called for a reform of the Government’s policy on alcohol, saying drink-related problems are “unacceptably high”.
A new report from the British Medical Association recommends shorter opening hours and a clamp down on alcohol consumption among young people.
The report notes: “Despite the evidence that increased opening hours and availability of alcohol are associated with greater consumption and alcohol-related problems, recent and proposed changes to licensing policies in the UK have favoured extended trading hours.”
Professor Sir Charles George, Chair of the BMA’s Board of Science, says current strategies reflect “…an over-reliance on popular but ineffective policies as well as liberalisation of the major drivers of alcohol consumption: availability and price.”
He adds: “It is essential that the UK Governments implement alcohol control policies that are evidence-based and proven to reduce alcohol-related harm.”