RCN: Mandatory code needed to address alcohol abuse
Published: 14 October 2008
Pubs, clubs, supermarkets and all licensed premises should face tough penalties if they encourage people to drink excessively and irresponsibly, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
The RCN is calling for a national mandatory retailing code to address the serious issue of alcohol abuse.
In response to the Department of Health’s paper, Safe, Sensible, Social – Consultation on Further Action, the RCN is demanding the introduction of a more stringent and monitored system to reduce alcohol-related harm and the pressure it has on the NHS.
Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN, today said:
"A self-regulatory and voluntary system is clearly not an effective way to combat excessive alcohol consumption. We need to protect society and individuals from the dangers of unsafe and unscrupulous retailing practices by enforcing a compulsory and uniformed code.
"There also needs to be rigorous labelling requirements on alcohol and more education on the dangers of alcohol abuse through advertising to ensure the public are able to make informed decisions about how much they drink.
"Nurses and healthcare assistants are at the forefront of the delivery of care and have direct contact with individuals who are suffering from alcohol-related harm. Many are under pressure to provide expert care without adequate resources, which means that further investment is needed if we are serious about tackling the effects of binge drinking."
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Notes to Editors
The Royal College of Nursing is a member of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, a coalition of 24 organisations which are seeking to reduce the damage caused to health by alcohol misuse.
Submissions for the Department of Health’s paper, Safe, Sensible, Social – Consultation on Further Action closed on 14 October 2008.
In its submission, the RCN also called for:
- Further training for staff working in retail premises selling alcohol, enabling them to identify both underage and intoxicated drinkers and deal with them appropriately; and
- A multi-faceted approach to supporting and educating people who are at risk or wish to cut down on their alcohol consumption.
For further information, interviews with relevant case studies or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php
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.