WIREDGOV

Chairman of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, responds to Public Health England's comprehensive review of the evidence on alcohol harm.

"Many of us like to have a drink to relax and enjoy our free time but these figures are a stark reminder of the devastating impact that alcohol abuse can cause.

"We want to see the Government make it easier for the drinks industry to make more low-strength cider, wine, beer and spirits with fewer or zero units of alcohol.

"Government can also play a role by extending tax breaks on beer to lower-strength alcoholic drinks which would enable them to be sold more cheaply than their higher-strength equivalents.

"Councils are committed to helping people cut down on how much they drink, through supporting initiatives such as Dry January, to raise awareness and encourage small lifestyle changes which can have a big impact on improving people's health.

"We have also called for a public health objective to be included within the Licensing Act, to give councils the power to limit the opening of late-night premises in areas where there are particular concerns about the impact of alcohol on public health."

PHE publishes alcohol evidence review - Press releases - GOV.UK