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Alcohol health group slammed

10/11/2007

The drinks industry has attacked a new campaign group, the Alcohol Health Alliance, ahead of its announcement of its full range of policies.

Encompassing over 20 health organisations, the group is widely expected to call for tighter regulation of the industry as well as lobby for higher taxes on alcohol.

But five drinks industry associations have written to the alliance - before it has even been fully established - to warn that its campaign could worsen the UK's growing binge-drinking problem.

The letter was sent to the group's chairman, Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians.

"We are questioning some of the basic assumptions at the heart of this campaign," it read, "because we do not believe the evidence base supports the call for higher taxes, more regulation and health warnings.

"Indeed our experience from around the world strongly suggests that the measures you are seeking carry considerable risk of exacerbating the situation," they added.

The letter was signed on behalf of the British Beer and Pub Association, the National Association of Cider Makers, the Gin and Vodka Association, the Scotch Whisky Association and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.