UK: British Beer & Pub Association concerned about alcohol misuse deaths in Britain

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA)stated on August 16 that any increase in alcohol-related deaths is cause for concern and it is critical to look at some of the underlying changes in the nation's drinking patterns.

"Britain is turning away from social drinking in the pub towards steady drinking in the home, said Mark Hastings, Director of Communications at the BBPA. "As the Government's Family Food report recently highlighted, the amount of alcohol we drink when out fell by more than five per cent last year. At the same time, the quantity of alcohol we drink at home has increased by nine per cent. More than half of all the alcohol sold in the UK is for drinking at home.

"While pictures of people fighting and falling over in the high street grab headlines, it is time to point the camera behind the curtains and take a closer look at where most of our drinking takes place. The focus on town centre disorder is obscuring the broader picture of where and when we drink the most and the impact this may be having on our health.

"Tackling drunken thugs in town centres is vital, but we must not overlook the fact that most of our alcohol is not consumed in pubs, but bought from supermarkets and drunk at home.

"Our industry recognises it has a vital role to play and is committed to driving up standards and driving out irresponsible practices that add to the problem. This year has seen major new initiatives by the industry to improve the advertising and marketing practices of producers and sales promotions in pubs. We are fully prepared to be held to account for the things we can control. It is equally important for individuals to carry their share of responsibility for their own drinking."

The British Beer and Pub Association is the UK’s leading organisation representing the brewing and pub sector. Its members account for 98% of the beer brewed in the UK and own nearly two thirds of Britain’s 59,000 pubs

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