Portman Group rejects “doomsday” alcohol outlook

The Portman Group has called for a less sensationalist perspective on recent statistics relating to alcohol deaths.

An article in medical journal The Lancet claimed that the UK was at a “potential tipping point,” with doctors warning that failure to reform alcohol laws could lead to 210,000 preventable deaths in England and Wales over the next 20 years.

Comments included criticism of the government’s Responsibility Deal, comparing it unfavourably with the Scottish approach of a minimum pricing policy.

However, Henry Ashworth, chief executive of the Portman Group, a social responsibility body for the UK drinks trade, argued: “It is really important that we put this report in context.”

Insisting that “The vast majority of people drink responsibly,” Ashworth warned: “Painting doomsday scenarios won’t help reduce alcohol misuse and calling for Soviet Union style population controls cannot do anything but alienate the vast majority of people who already drink within government guidelines.

“We agree with the Prime Minister that strong partnerships are essential to tackle the minority who use alcohol recklessly and drinks producers are committed to supporting this approach.”

Only last week, UK Prime Minister David Cameron condemned the country’s drinking culture as the “scandal of our society”.
In response, Gavin Partington, spokesman for the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, emphasised: “The drinks industry is committed to helping the government tackle alcohol misuse, alongside other stakeholders.

“This is why we are working hard through the Public Health Responsibility Deal on a range of initiatives to promote responsible drinking.”