Only 6% of the labels on drinks adhere to the voluntary agreement put together by the Government in 2007.  It was agreed that the following information would be included on labels to include:  unit information, pregnancy advice, message about drinking and accountability, the Drinkaware logo and NHS recommended drinking limits.

Public Health Minister, Gillian Merron, has criticised that the current labelling of the drinks industry is disappointing.  She states, “Whilst there should be no need to bring in legislation when the industry can clearly sort it out themselves, we will not hesitate to act decisively if [the] industry does not deliver.”

Due to be trialled at an unnamed pub, charity Alcohol Concern has praised the Government’s unveiling of the shatterproof pint glass where “glassing “ incidents cost the NHS approximately £2.7 billion per year.  It is common for violent assaults in Britain that drinkers would smash glasses and use them as weapons.  Even so, what about tackling the actual root of Britain’s binge-drinking problem?

Click here for new information provided by the NHS relating to the health effects of alcohol for men and women.  Men could be four times more likely to have high blood pressure and women could be three times more likely to suffer a stroke.

A shocking survey of 23,000 11 to 15 year old youngsters has revealed that England’s North East is the worst area for alcohol consumption showing that those who drank would consume units equivalent to nine pints of beer (one and a half bottle of wine) per week (average 17.7 units).  Compare these figures to NHS health recommendations in adults:  no more than 2-3 units a day (14-21 units per week) for women and no more than 3-4 units a day (21-28 units per week) for men.  Surprisingly, London ranked lowest against ‘high’ regions such as the North East and Yorkshire & the Humber.  Could this be a result of the low prices currently offered by supermarkets that are now being criticised?

Released on the 22^nd January, Scotland’s NHS has reported 15 cases of confirmed anthrax within drug users with the latest cases in NHS Ayrshire and Arran.  This brings the number of confirmed cases in six NHS boards.  The release also provides an important question & answer sheet.   Health Protection Scotland advises all drug users need to be aware of the risk that their supply of heroin may be contaminated.  Read here for more.