Today the RCN, alongside Alcohol Concern, the Royal College of Physicians and the Faculty of Public Health, released a survey of the opinions of public sector workers on alcohol abuse and regulation.
The results were clear: public sector workers believe stronger rules are needed and healthier options must be offered to consumers. It also revealed that the majority of doctors, nurses and police officers backed proposals by the Chief Medical Officer for a minimum price for alcohol.
Take a look at some of the findings –
62% think that there should be a minimum price per unit for alcohol to stop deep discounting in supermarkets, off-licences and shops
77% believe that price promotions in pubs, bars and clubs that encourage excessive drinking should be banned
94% say that customers should always be able to buy alcohol in smaller measures (e.g. 125ml wine, 25ml spirits) if they wish
Of those statistics, those in the public sector are most united over giving drinkers a choice to consume less alcohol. It seems absurd that at the moment people can’t always have a small glass of wine if they want it.
As I said in today’s press statement, alcohol misuse is our national disgrace. We have some of the worst alcohol abuse figures in Europe and it’s about time real action was taken.
Our message is clear – there must be tighter regulation on the sale, labeling and advertising of alcohol and what’s more - people must be given healthier options and alternatives.
We need to call time on our dangerous drinking culture and we need to do so now.
I would like to hear what you think, so make a comment below or tweet your views to me at www.twitter.com/drpetercarter
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Hi Peter,
ReplyDeleteWhile I believe that there should be tighter regulation of alcohol on sale, I think that creating a minimum price per unit is a little excessive. Promotions- such as 'Happy Hour' as fine, as long as people are sensible (which they are not). I work in a pub, and to my knowledge am the only person that has refused service to someone on the basis they have had too much to drink. I think that training of bar staff should be improved and for there to be stricter guidelines on when to serve/not to serve.
I am absolutely behind being able to buy drinks in smaller measures. As someone that is well known for being a lightweight- this would greatly improve my drinking experience!
Hi Peter,
ReplyDeleteWhile we are on the subject of alcohol...I am surprised to see that there is no RCN substance misuse forum. There must be at least a few thousand RCN members working in this area.
-P Kelly