Major Westminster conference to look at alcohol issues

MPs, police chiefs, health lobbyists and drinks industry figures are set to meet at a major conference on alcohol harm in October.

Binge-drinking and the effect of pricing and promotions on alcohol misuse are among the issues the Westminster Health Forum keynote seminar: 'Alcohol & Responsibility' will examine.

Guy Mason, Asda's public affairs manager, David Burrows, Shadow Minister for Justice and Mike Benner, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), will be among the speakers at the session, being held on October 21 in Westminster.

The way the drinks industry can help tackle alcohol-related issues will also be looked at.

A senior representative from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and Crispin Acton of the Department of Health's Alcohol Policy Team will also contribute to the seminar.

The event is being sponsored by CAMRA and drinks industry watchdog the Portman Group.

By the time of the event, the second part of the Sheffield University study into the effects of pricing and promotion on alcohol consumption should have been released by the government.