A healthier future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK
We know that meaningful policy action is needed to curb alcohol harm, and improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. But what does this look like in practice, and how do we get there?
A new project from the Institute of Alcohol Studies has brought together independent alcohol experts from across civil society, treatment provision, academia, local government, and family support services to develop a long-term plan to tackle alcohol harm.
The group agreed on a shared vision, clear goals and a practical policy roadmap to work towards a healthier, more equitable society.
Key targets for the next decade include:
- Halving the prevalence of risky drinking from 1 in 3 UK adults to 1 in 6.
- Increasing the proportion of people with alcohol dependence accessing specialist alcohol treatment to 50% within 5 years, and building capacity in the system for 80% of people with alcohol dependence to have access to treatment within 10 years.
- Reversing the trend of alcohol-specific deaths, returning to the pre-pandemic rate within 5 years, and subsequently to 2012 levels within 10 years.
Download the vision, roadmap and policy package here, and join the call for a society where alcohol harm is rare and equal opportunities for good health and wellbeing exist for all.
Use alcohol duty to fund vital public services
Alcohol duty is one of the most effective tools the government has to protect public health, reduce alcohol harm, and raise public funds to support economic growth.
New analysis shows that by introducing a duty escalator on non-draught alcohol to keep alcohol tax 2% above inflation, the government could generate £3.4 billion over the next five years – enough to fund and sustain the salaries of 37,000 NHS nurses.
Ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget, you can let HM Treasury know that you support raising alcohol duty to protect lives and fund vital public srvices.
Email the Exchequer Secretary here.
Low and no-alcohol products and the guise of responsibility
The growth of the no- and low-alcohol market has been framed as effort to reduce alcohol harm and improve health, but does this tell the full picture?
New research from Cancer Council Western Australia has explored how major beer companies talk about these products in public-facing channels compared to industry-facing channels. When communicating to the public, they discuss no/lo options as tools for moderation, marketing the ‘good’ that companies are doing. Yet in industry communications, these drinks are described as tools to expand markets, target new drinking occasions, and compete with other non-alcoholic beverages.
The researchers therefore describe the growing no/lo market as a reflection of a broader pattern of leveraging corporate social responsibility initiatives for commercial gain over genuine public health improvements.
Unmasking influence: New film on how commercial actors influence policy and public health
Many of the major public health crises we face today are largely driven by powerful corporations. This film from the commercial determinants research group at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine reveals the extent and impact of harmful industry influences.
How the government’s licensing proposals undermine public health and democracy
Last week, the government wrapped up their call-for-evidence on the licensing taskforce’s proposed reforms to ‘modernise’ the system and ‘support growth’ in the night-time economy.
This blog from the Institute of Alcohol Studies describes the major concerns in the government proposals, including giving unelected officers the power to override decisions made by elected councillors, introducing a fifth licensing objective to promote economic growth, and raising the bar for communities and public bodies to object to licence applications.
IAS point out that linking deregulating alcohol licensing with growth creates a false promise. In reality, increased alcohol consumption is a major drag on productivity and prosperity, with over £5 billion lost in England every year due to people unable to work and being less productive as a result of alcohol.
Speaking to The Guardian last month, AHA chair Professor Sir Ian Gilmore said: “Licensing exists to protect people, not business profits. To push this through while alcohol deaths are at record highs raises serious questions about who this government is really working for.”
Sign up to attend the MCA annual symposium on alcohol and the workplace
This year, the Medical Council on Alcohol’s annual symposium is exploring alcohol and the workplace, bringing together a dynamic programme exploring safety-critical testing, evolving regulations, and support strategies for healthcare professionals.
The Max Glatt memorial lecture will be given by Dr Ed Day, whose illustrious career in psychiatry has combined clinical work in the NHS with research and teaching and a particular focus on recovery.
SOM and FOM members will receive a special discount – to claim, contact jess.luxon@m-c-a.org.uk.
Events
MCA annual symposium on alcohol and the workplace
MCA
19 November 2025, London
