SIBA comments on new NHS ‘Long Term Plan’
Commenting on the announcement of new ‘alcohol care teams’ within the NHS, Mike Benner, Chief Executive said:
“We know the vast majority of people in the UK drink sensibly at home and in the pub. Sadly, it’s a fact that a small percentage of people in the UK abuse alcohol and consume dangerous amounts of cheap, strong booze. This relatively small number of ‘frequent fliers’ are responsible for most of the repeat alcohol related admissions to hospital. These people need targeted help, and independent brewers will welcome this new measure to deliver the support these people need, and to reduce pressure on the NHS.”
Mike went on to say:
“Blanket measures which aim to curb the enjoyment alcohol across the board do not work, and only serve to harm small businesses like SIBA brewers who market their products responsibly.”