Nurses: mandatory alcohol code must be stronger

Published: 20 January 2010

Responding 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, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

“Nurses have been calling for a mandatory code for a long time, and this move to ban binge drinking promotions is a step in the right direction. However, the government should be taking bolder action to protect the health of the nation.

“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. As we approach the general election, all parties must realise just how severe this situation has become, and commit to taking drastic action to stop it spiralling out of control."

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Notes for Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.