Mandatory alcohol code must be stronger says RCN

Published: 20 January 2010

The Royal College of Nursing says the government must take bolder action on the sale of alcohol to protect the health of the nation. 

The comments come in response to the news that the government is to introduce a mandatory code on alcohol, which would ban promotions such as ‘all you can drink for £10’ offers.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter says the move to ban binge drinking promotions is a step in the right direction but adds:

“Minimum pricing and tighter regulations on labelling, sales and advertising should also be introduced within the mandatory code. In addition there should be widespread public-facing campaigns to educate people about the dangers of excessive drinking.

Every day, frontline nurses see the devastating consequences of excessive drinking on patients’ physical and psychological health.”

The RCN says that as the general election approaches, all political parties must recognise the severity of the situation and commit to taking action to stop it spiralling out of control.