Health organisations call for tough action on alcohol pricing

A new report calling for the UK government to prioritise minimum alcohol unit pricing as a means of tackling health problems has been compiled by independent experts.

More than 70 healthcare organisations from across the UK have set out a list of key policies, published this month by the University of Stirling, which are aimed at curbing the nation's drink problem.

There was unanimous agreement that a 50p minimum price per unit of alcohol sold should be introduced across the UK as a matter of priority, thus bringing England, Wales and Northern Ireland in line with Scotland in this respect.

Other measures outlined by the report include tougher restrictions on alcohol marketing and greater empowerment of licensing authorities to tackle alcohol problems.

Professor Linda Bauld from the University of Stirling said: "There is strong support for this strategy not just from the numerous organisations who have endorsed it, but also from the public … There is clearly an appetite for change."

The report was welcomed by the British Medical Association, with professional activities director Dr Vivienne Nathanson saying it could pave the way for "real harm reduction".