A quarter of adults are binge drinkers according to recent research. A survey of 2,000 people found almost one in three men and one in five women drank at least double the recommended daily limit.

Stakeholder Response: Alcohol Concern

Anne C. Jenkins, Head of Information and Communications at Alcohol Concern said:

"These findings are certainly worrying and show a lack of awareness about the risks of drinking to excess. Drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time can cause serious health problems, and even drinking too much on one occasion can put health and wellbeing at risk - after drinking to excess, people are much more at risk of suffering an accident. At peak times as many as 7 out of 10 A&E attendances are linked to alcohol. People need to understand the risks of drinking over recommended limits (2-3 units a day for women, and 3-4 a day for men), in order that they can make informed choices about their drinking."

Stakeholder Response: BNTL

Barbara Briggs, CEO of BNTL told ePolitix:

This report highlights the problem we have as a society with alcohol and the damage it can inflict on families and communities.  The Government should not be surprised by the findings they themselves in their document “Drinking Responsibly – The Governments Proposals” published in January this year said that many forms of promotion contribute to the problems of binge drinking.

Yet what is one of their main answers 24-hour licensing! As the research states many are confused by the government advice.  On one part telling them to curb their unit intake but then offering them the opportunity to drink in the local for 24 hours or go and buy a carryout at the local supermarket at 3am when they have run out!

BNTL feel that we have a culture that is too well ingrained to correct easily; however if we do nothing to correct the trend but only acknowledge it as a problem we will leave a devastating legacy for future generations.  We have always advocated “joined up” action, prevention and sensible attitudes to alcohol must begin with our young people and continue to be reinforced throughout school and the media. However this requires commitment and funding and we working in the prevention field sadly do not have the financial or political clout that the drinks industry has.

Stakeholder Response: BUPA

Dr. Peter Mace, BUPA Wellness Medical Director said:

"Drinking limits are not as easily defined as they once were. There is no such thing as a standard drink any more. A pint of beer or glass of wine is served in a variety of strengths and sizes so it's confusing for people to know exactly how much is safe to drink.

"As our research shows that almost half of drinkers are baffled by Government advice on safe drinking limits, BUPA Wellness believes the Government needs to take steps to reduce the confusion particularly if licensing hours are to be extended. There is clearly a gap in information being provided for drinkers and a strong need for education to stem what is fast becoming a serious health and social problem for the UK.

"What is clear is that people who storm the bars or drink excessively at home on a regular basis will face serious health issues in the years to come. Besides the impact on their physical health, heavy drinkers put themselves at risk of fights, unsafe sex and potentially worse if they continue drinking too much on a night out."