Consumption

Why we need a long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK

This blog explains our new long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK, developed with experts across policy, health, and civil society. It sets...

Deregulating alcohol licensing: how the government’s proposals risk undermining public health and democracy

The government’s proposed licensing reforms risk shifting power from communities to industry, weakening safeguards that protect public health. By prioritising economic growth over evidence of...

Does Dry January change how we drink?

A new study finds that Dry January does show up in national alcohol sales data – people drink less and buy more no/lo options during...

The effects of alcohol on employment and social outcomes in the UK

New research explores how alcohol consumption affects employment, income, and social outcomes in the UK.

Why England and Wales need a lower drink drive limit

What are the main arguments for and against reducing the drink drive limit in England and Wales?

Growing up with alcohol harm at home: the difference a trusted adult can make

Having a trusted adult to turn to as a child growing up in a household with parental alcohol problems can significantly improve social connections in...

“We’re managing the chaos”: Why Alcohol Care Teams matter more than ever

What is an Alcohol Care Team? How are they structured in hospitals? And why is funding being cut for so many? Listen to our podcast...

Who pays more? Analysing the impact of the UK’s 2023 alcohol duty reform

Who really pays more under the UK’s new alcohol tax system? This new analysis reveals findings about who’s most affected — and what it means...

The politics of inaction: why alcohol policy can’t wait

Jem Roberts argues that the government’s failure to include proven alcohol policies like minimum unit pricing in its 10-Year Health Plan is a political misstep...

Alcohol’s harm is likely underestimated and its benefits inflated: Lessons from recent expert reports

Recent expert reviews diverge sharply on the health impacts of moderate drinking, but deeper analysis reveals alcohol’s harms are likely underestimated and its supposed benefits...

False friends? Calls for Pride rethink on alcohol industry partnerships as LGBT+ community members give thumbs down

Is the alcohol industry really an ally to the LGBT+ community? A new blog from Alcohol Focus Scotland's David Barbour explores the impact of alcohol...

Why are we still not telling the public the truth about alcohol and cancer?

Alcohol causes 7 types of cancer, yet public awareness remains dangerously low, partly due to industry-led misinformation. For Cancer Prevention Action Week 2025, the World...

Double-Edged Swords: Motivation and “alcoholic” identity in alcohol-related cirrhosis

Many patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis are highly motivated to stay abstinent - but reject support, believing willpower alone will be enough. This new study explores...

We know MUP works – but we can make it even better

In a recent report, the Social Market Foundation recommended introducing a Minimum Unit Tax (MUT) if Minimum Unit Pricing is introduced in England. Barney Dowling,...

Young People, Alcohol and Risk: A Culture of Caution

A new book explores why young people in high-income countries are drinking less, linking the decline to growing health consciousness, closer parental relationships, and a...

Harm reduction as a rational response to irrational drinking

Dr Haydock argues that alcohol policy should reflect the complex, often irrational motivations behind drinking, especially in social and nightlife contexts. By adopting a harm...

Men bear the brunt of alcohol harm – so why the focus on women?

Despite men drinking more and experiencing more alcohol-related harm, a new study has found that women are the focus of more research, particularly relating to...

Are teenage alcohol-related harms matching declines in consumption?

Teen drinking has fallen significantly across high-income countries - but have alcohol-related harms kept pace? New research reveals a mixed picture, especially for girls.

France’s drinking dilemma: Why young adults buck the global trend

Unlike many Western countries where youth drinking is declining, alcohol use among young adults in France has remained stable over the past two decades. Dr...

Despite what many parents think, allowing teenagers to try alcohol at any age is harmful

Allowing teenagers to try alcohol with parental permission increases their risk of harmful drinking in young adulthood, regardless of the age they are introduced. This...