5 Conclusions
Evidence base
63. We were disappointed to find that alcohol consumption
guidelines for the general adult population had not been formally
reviewed since 1995. Since then, a greater body of scientific
evidence has emerged that challenges the guidelines. In particular,
more studies have emphasised the causal relationships between
alcohol and cancers, and the theory that drinking alcohol at low
quantities may confer health benefits has been vigorously disputed.
Having taken into account recent updates to the guidelines on
drinking during pregnancy and for people under 18 years, we have
nevertheless concluded that a review of the evidence base would
be worthwhile and timely. At a time when the Government is
putting efforts into encouraging people to drink within guidelines,
we consider that a review of the evidence would increase public
confidence in the guidelines.
64. The review of the evidence base should be
conducted by an expert group, including amongst its members civil
servants and external scientific and medical experts from a wide
range of disciplines, including representatives from the devolved
administrations. The group should review:
a) The evidence base for health effects of
alcohol including risks and benefits;
b) Behavioural and social science evidence
on the effectiveness of alcohol guidelines on (i) informing the
public and (ii) changing behaviour;
c) How useful it would be to introduce guidance
on individual drinking episodes;
d) What terminology works well in public communication
of risks and guidelines; and
e) Whether further research is needed, particularly
for the alcohol-related risks to specific demographic groups (for
example, older people).
The group should provide a recommendation to Government
on whether the current alcohol guidelines are evidence-based,
and if they are not, what the guidelines should be changed to.
Public understanding and communication
65. We were pleased to find that the Government is
promoting sensible drinking messages through initiatives such
as the Public Health Responsibility Deal. Public awareness of
the guidelines has been improving, although there is a long way
to go. While many members of the public have heard of alcohol
units and the guidelines, far fewer people understand how to translate
them into practice.
66. We consider that the Government, industry
and charities should emphasise in public communications:
a) The specific risks associated with drinking
patterns, that is, (i) the acute risks associated with individual
episodes of heavy drinking and (ii) the chronic risks associated
with regular drinking;
b) That there are situations where it is not
appropriate to drink at all, for example while operating machinery;
and
c) That people should have some drink free
days every week.
67. Having explored the complexity around the
risks faced by different groups of people, for example women,
pregnant women, older people and young people, we consider that
while simplicity of advice is preferable for public communication,
complexity should not be avoided if it improves public understanding
and confidence in the guidelines. For example, the guidelines
for children and young people are more complex than for adults
but are also clear, concise and leave no room for misinterpretation,
and we consider that guidelines for adults could be similarly
expressed.
68. We recommend that there should be an online
resource where individuals could obtain more individualised advice
where factors such as weight, age, ethnicity and family history
of alcohol problems could be taken into consideration. This resource
should include links to sources of further information and support,
and recommendations on whether to seek further expert medical
advice. We consider that this resource could help dispel people's
notions that generic alcohol guidance does not apply to them.
Charities such as Drinkaware and other organisations should develop
methods of increasing access to this type of individualised advice
for those who have limited or no access to online resources.
69. The cooperation of the drinks industry is
essential if the Government wants to achieve the Public Health
Responsibility Deal's alcohol pledges. However, the Government
should remain mindful that sensible drinking messages may conflict
with the business objectives of drinks companies, and should therefore
exercise scrutiny and oversight to ensure that any conflicts of
interest are mitigated and managed.
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