Our blog webpages host a series of opinion articles on various aspects of alcohol policy. If you are interested in making a contribution, please do get in touch via our 'Contact us' page
Alcohol Focus Scotland’s comprehensive marketing report looks at what restrictions should be brought in to help protect the rights and health of people at risk of alcohol harm. Read more »
Colin Angus looks at the problems with a new study that suggests different drinking guidelines for different age groups. Read more »
There is a strong shared association between smoking and drinking. A new study looked at smoking prevalence and attempts to stop among people with alcohol dependency and those at risk of dependency, showing that those at risk of alcohol dependence should be a priority group for smoking cessation support. Read more »
The only information required on alcohol labels is container size, ABV and common allergens. Non-alcoholic drinks need far more information. The alcohol industry claims that the self-regulatory approach to labelling is effective and delivers information to consumers, however a recent study by the AHA suggests otherwise. Read more »
The World Health Organization published a comprehensive review of minimum pricing policies on alcohol, including summaries of the most recent evidence on their impact for countries to consider. In this blog economist Dr Bhattacharya explains what the review looked at. Read more »
A study on the impact of Scotland’s minimum unit pricing on harmful drinkers and those with alcohol dependence received a lot of press attention lambasting the policy. Here the lead researcher Professor John Holmes, explains the nuances of the results, with both positive and negative findings for those on both sides of the policy debate. Read more »
The alcohol industry provides materials for schools to educate children about alcohol harm. This study highlights the bias nature of these materials, which normalise alcohol consumption and focus on individual responsibility and peer-pressure, while ignoring obligations of the alcohol industry to act ethically and safely and the role of governments to take actions to protect people. Read more »
Researchers’ contact with the alcohol industry can range from short conversations at conferences, to attacks in the media and even legal threats. Here Dr Mitchell details the range of experiences and argues that more research is needed about the industry’s involvement in science, as well as more protection for those engaging in such research. Read more »
Australia and New Zealand struggled for years to bring in mandatory pregnancy warning labels on alcohol products. Maddie Heenan looks at what lessons other countries can learn from their ultimate success. Read more »
If the Government is serious about extending healthy life expectancy for all, it must get serious about tackling alcohol. With the Health Disparities White Paper being published soon, IAS’ Dr Alison Giles looks at what should be done. Read more »