RCN welcomes CMO’s call for a minimum alcohol price
Published: 16 March 2009
Commenting on the Chief Medical Officer’s recommendation for a minimum alcohol price to be introduced Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:
“It is welcome news to hear the Chief Medical Officer is making a firm recommendation in an attempt to curb the growing issue of alcohol misuse. There is an established link between lower prices and increased consumption of alcohol, however, this is often exacerbated by the unscrupulous, yet common, practice of extreme discounting which further encourages binge drinking.
“Further measures, such as regulation of the labelling, sale and advertising of alcoholic drinks, as well as widespread education on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, are also needed if we are to win the battle against alcohol misuse.
“Alcohol misuse is an issue that nurses are faced with on a daily basis, and a major societal health concern. The RCN again calls for the introduction of a single mandatory code that applies to the whole alcohol industry to provide effective regulation to ensure retailers don't engage in unscrupulous practices which encourage customers to drink to excess.”
-ends-
Notes to 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, healthcare assistants 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.