‘Medical alliance’ to campaign for tighter alcohol regulations

Source: Exec

Date :12/11/2007 11:59:55

Some of Britain’s most respected and influential medical organisations are to form a campaign group to push for tighter regulation of the drinks industry.

The alliance of about 21 organisations - to be called the Alcohol Health Alliance - will form the new campaign group later this month, which will be headed by the Royal College of Physicians' president.

The new group will reportedly lobby for tighter regulation of the drinks industry amid concerns about the effects of alcohol abuse, including a ten percent increase in alcohol taxation.

It is also expected to push for warning labels and greater restrictions or even a blanket ban on alcohol advertising.

Coalition

A Royal College of Physicians' spokeswoman said the Alliance was made up of more than 20 groups and would officially launch later this month.

The alliance includes: the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Surgeons, the Institute of Alcohol Studies, Alcohol Concern and the British Liver Trust.

Full details of its members and policies have not yet been announced, although Alcohol Concern and the British Liver Trust are reportedly part of the coalition.

November 12, 2007