SIBA comments on new health prevention strategy
Commenting on the publication of Advancing our health: prevention in the 2020s, the Department of Health’s consultation on strategy for prevention, James Calder, Chief Executive of SIBA said:
“It is great to see that the Department of Health recognise that for the vast majority of people who drink, they do so responsibly. More needs to be done to help the small minority in society who drink to harmful levels and SIBA is keen to work with Government on this.”
“Consumption of alcohol however shouldn’t be viewed one-dimensionally. Sensible levels of alcohol consumption have beneficial health effects for a range of conditions, as evidenced by the J shaped curve. The pub and the brewery tap are places to socialise with friends, family and loved ones. They’re a key component in tackling poor mental health and loneliness in society. Beer and pubs bring people together in a way that can help the Department of Health’s prevention strategy, not hinder it.”
James went on to say:
“We’re also excited to work with the Government on the availability of alcohol-free and low-alcohol products, which small independent brewers are market leaders.”
Notes to editors
- The J shaped curve for all cause mortality shows individuals who consume sensible, moderate amounts of alcohol live longer, healthier lives than teetotallers. http://www.aim-digest.com/gateway/pages/moderate/articles/j-shaped_curve1.htm
- The consultation can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/advancing-our-health-prevention-in-the-2020s/advancing-our-health-prevention-in-the-2020s-consultation-document
