Tackling the harm caused by alcohol is one of the key topics included in NICE’s latest set of local government public health briefings, published last week (31 October).
The three new briefings cover tackling the harm caused by alcohol; health inequalities and population health; and how NICE guidance can help local authorities meet the objectives set out in the Public Health Outcomes Framework (PHOF) for England.
The NICE public health briefing on tackling alcohol abuse recommends taking a two-pronged approach to this problem, with a combination of interventions aimed at the whole population such as minimum unit pricing, and screening for individuals.
The briefing recommends that local authorities and partner organisations ensure children and young people are protected from
alcohol advertising as much possible. Furthermore, local data on health and crime should be used to map alcohol-related problems within an area before developing or reviewing a licensing policy.