70% of UK drinkers reject drinking guidelines

11-Sep-2017 - Last updated on 11-Sep-2017 at 16:01 GMT

Government guidelines: Drinkers' Voice claims few listen to advice

Some seven out of 10 drinkers have said they ignore the Government’s alcohol drinking guidelines, according to a new survey.

Those who are least inclined to listen to the guidelines are men aged between 18 and 50 (82%) and young people aged 18 to 24 (63%).

This research comes from a YouGov survey, commissioned by a new consumer organisation, Drinkers’ Voice including 1,663 UK adults.

Chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies released drinking guidelines last year, which called for an equal level for men and women at 14 units a week.

In response to the survey results, Drinkers’ Voice has called on Brits the join the movement, which aims to bring a sensible approach to the debate on alcohol.

Drinkers’ Voice has created a new consumer organisation that wants to bring the public back in to the debate on alcohol and health.

Positive aspects of drinking

The new initiative, launched yesterday (Monday 11 September) provides a platform for moderate drinkers nationwide to share the positive aspects of drinking.

It seeks to rebalance the debate on alcohol, empowering drinkers to speak up about the health and wellbeing benefits of drinking.

Drinkers’ Voice national co-ordinator Amy O’Callaghan outlined how the organisation wants to encourage consumers to have their say.

She said: “There is clearly a lack of trust in the Government’s tone on alcohol advice. So much so that most people have just stopped listening to them altogether.

“For too long, the anti-alcohol lobby has been able to spread myths about drinking and at the same time, choosing to ignore the health benefits moderate drinking can bring us.

“We think that has led to nervousness from the Government, which issued new guidelines last year that are among the lowest in Europe. Now, we want drinkers to have their say."

Benefits and risks

She added: “Drinkers’ Voice wants people across the country to join them in exposing these myths, talk openly about the benefits and risks of drinking, and bring some rationality to the debate.

“When people stop listening to Public Health advice, there is clearly a credibility issue, which needs to be dealt with.

“We hope supporters of Drinkers’ Voice will donate to help bridge the gap between Government and the public.

“The organisation is asking for people to donate to the cause and come forward as spokespeople for the UK’s drinkers.”

Drinkers’ Voice spokesman Charlie Hooson-Sykes said: “There is a culture of shame that is being promoted around alcohol, which doesn’t take into consideration the positives – the celebratory elements, community and the culture.

“We want to be the voice of those who like a glass of rosé on a Friday night, a glass of Champagne on their birthday or a beer in front of the telly.”