Alcohol misuse - policy
This section includes key policy and strategic documents on the prevention and management of alcohol misuse across the UK.
Some of the resources on this page are in PDF format - see how to access PDF files.
UK
Department of Health et al (2011) Consultation on options for improving information on the labels of alcoholic drinks to support consumers to make healthier choices in the UK - response to consultation
The Department of Health, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government, and the Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety reached a joint decision on the way forward. Together they will pursue a strengthened self-regulatory agreement with the alcohol industry on alcohol labelling, with the objective of securing unit and health information on over 80 percent of alcohol product labels across the UK by the end of 2013.
Royal College of Nursing (2010) Strengthen alcohol code
The Royal College of Nursing calls for tighter regulation on the labelling, sales and advertising of alcohol in the UK.
England
Department for Children, Schools and Families (2008) Youth alcohol action plan
The Government made a commitment in the Children's Plan, published in December 2007, to look at what more might be done to reduce excessive drinking by children and young people under the age of 18. This document sets out the Government's conclusions and the actions to be taken forward.
Department of Health: Alcohol misuse
Brings together Department of Health advice, publications and statistics on issues related to alcohol misuse.
Department of Health: Alcohol publications
Brings together Department of Health publications on issues related to alcohol under such headings as policy, commissioning, advice, treatment and research.
Department of Health (2007) Safe. Sensible. Social. The next steps in the National Alcohol Strategy
This updated alcohol strategy for England sets out the goals and actions to promote sensible drinking and reduce the harm that alcohol can cause.
Department of Health (2004) Choosing health: making healthy choices easier
This White Paper sets out the key principles for supporting the public to make healthier and more informed choices in regards to their health.
Department of Health: Choosing health
Section containing policy information and publications related to the White Paper.
Every Child Matters: Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol
This page in the Every Child Matters websites provides the documentation relating to this consultation held by the Department of Children, Schools and Families. The consultation closed in April 2009.
Home Office (2011) Alcohol pricing
In early 2010, the government commissioned three pieces of research on alcohol pricing. This research was considered as part of the review of alcohol pricing. Retailers will now be banned from selling alcohol below the rate of duty plus VAT. For more information on alcohol policy and licensing visit: Home Office: Alcohol. The Royal College of Nursing has commented on this report. Go to: Alcohol reforms do not go far enough.
UK Parliament: Alcohol policy
House of Commons social reform research on alcohol policy in the UK.
Northern Ireland
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (2011) Consultation on the New Strategic Direction for Alcohol & Drugs Phase 2 (2011-2016)
This consultation was aimed at addressing alcohol and drug misuse and and focuses on tackling emerging issues such as ‘legal highs’ and prescription drug misuse. The consultation closed on 31 May 2011.
Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety (2006) The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs 2006-2011
The document has two themes - children, young people and families; and adults and the general public and 'five pillars' provide the conceptual and practice base for the strategy. These are prevention and early intervention; treatment and support; law and criminal justice; harm reduction and monitoring, evaluation and research.
Scotland
Scottish Government (2011) Scottish Ministerial Advisory Committee on Alcohol Problems (SMACAP) Essential Services Working Group: Quality Alcohol Treatment and Support (QATS)
This report delivers on a key commitment within 'Changing Scotland's Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action' to establish a subgroup of the Scottish Ministerial Advisory Committee for Alcohol Problems (SMACAP) to update core services on alcohol treatment and support.
Scottish Government (2010) Alcohol Etc. (Scotland) Bill
This bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament in November 2009. The Bill contains the main legislative provisions outlined in the Alcohol Framework, which aim to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. This includes provisions to help support people to make more positive choices about their alcohol use and therefore reduce the impact on their health and wellbeing.
Scottish Government (2009) Changing Scotland's relationship with alcohol: a framework for action
The Framework sets out Scotland's strategic approach to tackling alcohol misuse informed by the consultation around a discussion paper. It identifies the need for sustained action in four areas: reduced alcohol consumption; supporting families and communities; positive public attitudes, positive choices; improved treatment and support and outlines what is already in progress and what the next steps are.
Scottish Government (2009) Analysis of Responses to the Consultation on the Scottish Government's Strategic Approach to Changing Scotland's relationship with Alcohol Report
This report contains findings from an analysis of written responses to the Scottish Government consultation: 'Changing Scotland's Relationship with Alcohol: A Discussion Paper on Our Strategic Approach'.
Scottish Government (2009) Health and Community Care Research Findings No. 74/2009: Analysis of Responses to the Consultation on the Scottish Government's Strategic Approach to Changing Scotland's Relationship with Alcohol
This document contains findings from an analysis of written responses to the Scottish Government consultation:'Changing Scotland's Relationship with Alcohol: A Discussion Paper on Our Strategic Report".
Scottish Government (2008) Changing Scotland's relationship with alcohol: a discussion paper on our strategic approach
This discussion paper provided the basis for a consultation on the Scottish Government proposals for tackling alcohol misuse illustrating the scale of alcohol-related harm in Scotland and presenting a framework for action.
Scottish Government (2008) Health in Scotland 2007: Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer
NHS Scotland's report looks at key causes of early death and how they can be reduced - heart disease, stroke, cancer and alcoholic liver disease. Scotland has one of the fastest growing Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) mortality rates.
Scottish Government (2007) Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems Update
This updated plan builds on progress made since the original Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems was published in 2002. It sets out a comprehensive programme of action for the next three years to change drinking cultures and reduce alcohol-related harm through government action, partnership working, and encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility.
Scottish Executive (2007) Scottish Alcohol Research Framework
This framework was developed by a cross agency Alcohol Evidence Group and sets out existing and planned work, together with priority areas for new research, to inform alcohol policy development in Scotland.
Wales
Welsh Assembly Government (2008) Working Together to Reduce Harm The Substance Misuse Strategy for Wales 2008-2018
The Welsh Assembly Government's new 10 year substance misuse strategy describes the four main action areas and the arrangements for supporting and monitoring the strategy's delivery at national, regional and local level. It is accompanied by a three-year implementation plan.
Welsh Assembly Government (2008) Working Together to Reduce Harm: The Substance Misuse Strategy Three-year Implementation Plan 2008-11
This sets out actions/targets and outcomes for the first three years.
National Public Health Service for Wales (2007) Service framework for the treatment of alcohol misuse in Wales
Based upon reviews undertaken by the NPHS Vulnerable Adults Team, the Welsh Assembly Government Substance Misuse Project Board has produced a consultation document advocating a more systematic approach to treating alcohol misuse in primary care, Accident and Emergency departments and other non-specialist settings. The consultation on this document closed in January 2008.