WSTA positive about new Government alcohol strategy

Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the WSTA, has welcomed the government’s new Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy, which was issued on Monday. However, he has expressed disappointment that the document was drawn up without industry consultation.

Responding to the document, entitled “Safe. Sensible. Sociable. The next steps in the national alcohol strategy”, Beadles said: “On the whole this revised strategy reflects the progress already being made in tackling alcohol misuse. Importantly, (it) recognises the central role that the alcohol drinks industry played by working in partnership with the government and other stakeholders on a range of issues, particularly our successes in reducing under-age sales through our Challenge 21 campaign and the establishment of the Drinkaware Trust.” He was also pleased by the fact that the government has committed to an independent review regarding the impact of pricing and promotion prior to public consultation.

But despite being pleased with the overall tone of the document, Beadles expressed disappointment that the industry was not consulted. “Given the reliance the government has placed on stakeholder delivery of this strategy, I hope the alcohol drinks industry will be fully engaged in shaping the implementation,” he said.

Ben Grant

© db 6 June 2007