Change alcohol advice to show benefits of moderate drinking, Camra tells Government
The campaign group points to scientific studies that show moderate drinking can protective against health problems including cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and certain forms of cancer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Government is being urged to hold a new consultation on alcohol consumption, after a study showed that most people believe that drinking in moderation is part of a healthy lifestyle.
A survey of more than 2,000 adults revealed that over half disagreed with official health guidelines, and that they should be the same for men and women.
The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said its research showed that the Health Department should launch a public consultation on whether guidelines on drinking were "fit for purpose".
Scientific studies have shown that moderate drinking can have a protective effect against various health problems including cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and certain forms of cancer, said Camra.
The campaign group said the studies were ignored in alcohol guidelines.
Speaking at the start of Camra's annual Great British Beer Festival in London, chairman Colin Valentine said: "The figures show that Government advice on drinking is at odds with common sense.
"If the Government wants people to take the guidance seriously then it needs to present people with realistic and believable advice, which they can use to judge their own risk when it comes to responsible drinking.
"If the public feels, as our figures suggest, that the guidelines are not credible and lack evidence, the danger is they will increasingly just ignore them.
"There are decades of international scientific evidence showing that moderate drinking can play an important part in a healthy and happy lifestyle.
"We'd like to see that research reflected in a more grown-up approach to help adults understand the risks and benefits associated with drinking."
Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments