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Promoting an informed debate around alcohol’s impact on society

Our purpose is to advance the use of the best available evidence in public policy decisions on alcohol.


13491New tracker finds low ambition and limited progress on alcohol policy

News Article

New tracker finds low ambition and limited progress on alcohol policy

22nd October 2026

13484The Scotch Whisky Association: a century of alcohol industry influence

Blog Post

The Scotch Whisky Association: a century of alcohol industry influence

Julie Bower and David Higgins

20th October 2026

Featured Publication

Behind the bar: what publicans really think about alcohol policy

August 2026

Twitter

“Low” for ambition. “Low” for progress.

This is how @HealthFdn’s new Policy Tracker rates the current state of alcohol policy.

If we want different results, we need a different level of commitment to reducing alcohol harm.

📈: https://www.health.org.uk/resources-and-toolkits/data-tools/policy-tracker/alcohol

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“The SWA has exerted influence on policy greater than its size.”

New IAS blog from Dr Julie Bower and Prof David Higgins explores how the Scotch Whisky Association became an influential lobbying force in policymaking across the UK, Europe & the US.

🔗:

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“It was never really covered in my nursing degree, how would you support somebody with tobacco addiction?”

On the Alcohol Alert podcast, Fresh and Balance’s Ailsa Rutter shares her personal story and reflects on the history of tobacco control.

🎧: https://www.ias.org.uk/podcast/the-tobacco-and-vapes-act-and-how-alcohol-is-being-left-behind/

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“The government needs to look at the low cost of alcohol in supermarkets primarily. Certainly the taxation in supermarkets needs to be looked at to bring about some kind of equilibrium.”

This from former pub landlord Patrick Hughes in BBC News:

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IAS plays a vital role in identifying gaps in research, highlighting blind spots for government, and narrowing the divide between research and policymaking.

Professor Linda Bauld, OBE

Alcohol Alert

September 2026

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Our monthly podcast features interviews with experts from across the sector.

The Tobacco and Vapes Act – and how alcohol is being left behind

Ailsa Rutter – Director of Fresh and Balance

September 2026

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