Doctors call for unprecedented action on alcohol

Tuesday, 8 September 2009 12:00 AM

By Jon Ashford

Doctors have called for a total ban on the advertising of alcohol, including festivals and sports events.

The British Medical Association's (BMA) tough proposals also include a minimum sale price for alcoholic products: £1 for a pint of beer and £4 for a bottle of wine.

Vivienne Nathanson, head of science and ethics at the BMA, said the smoking ban demonstrated tough measures could change behaviour.

"When the BMA initially called for a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places there were outcries but I doubt most people would want to return to the days of smoky pubs now," she said.

"This shows that behaviour can change and this needs to happen with alcohol consumption."

Dr Nathanson went on to express concern about the alcohol industry having too much influence over the government's policy decisions.

"We have a perverse situation where the alcohol industry is advising our governments about alcohol reduction policies," she added.

"As with tobacco, putting the fox in charge of the chicken coop - or at least putting him on a par with the farmer - is a dangerous idea."

So far the proposals have been met with uniform rejections from government figures. Gordon Brown said earlier this year "the majority of sensible drinkers should not have to pay the price for the irresponsible and excessive drinking by a small minority."

The World Health Organisation categorises alcohol as the number one risk factor for premature death and disability in developed countries.

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