President's Comment On PM Alcohol Seminar, UK

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 22 Nov 2007 - 5:00 PDT

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Professor Ian Gilmore was pleased to represent both the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) as its President and the Alcohol Health Alliance UK as its Chairman at a meeting arranged by the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street this morning to tackle alcohol misuse, particularly in the young.

Although the drinks producers and retailers suggested measures relating to stronger enforcement of current regulations, this would not be enough to stem the rising tide of binge drinking in the UK, and Prof Gilmore was able to point out the strong evidence supporting action on raising price, as this particularly hits underage and problem drinkers.

While a whole range of measures are needed to reverse our all-pervasive alcohol culture in this country, he drew attention to other effective measures aimed at availability, irresponsible discounting and special offers, and advertising to young people. The RCP and the Alcohol Health Alliance UK look forward to working with Government to address this vital public health issue.

Royal College of Physicians