MPs hold session on alcohol guidelines evidence base
12 October 2011
The Commons Science and Technology Committee holds its first session examining the evidence base relating to guidelines on alcohol consumption and looking at how well the guidelines are communicated to the public.
- Parliament TV: The evidence base for alcohol guidelines
- Inquiry: The evidence base for alcohol guidelines
- Science and Technology Committee
Wednesday 12 October 2011, Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
At 9.15 am
- Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Royal College of Physicians
- Dr Richard Harding, Member of the 1995 Interdepartmental Working Group on Sensible Drinking
- Professor Nick Heather, Alcohol Research UK
- Dr Marsha Morgan, Institute of Alcohol Studies
At 10.15 am
- Jeremy Beadles, Chief Executive, Wine and Spirit Trade Association
- Professor Averil Mansfield, British Medical Association
- Chris Sorek, Chief Executive, Drinkaware
About the inquiry
The Government’s March 2011 Public Health Responsibility Deal included a pledge to foster 'a culture of responsible drinking, which will help people to drink within guidelines'.
The Science and Technology Committee has decided to carry out an inquiry into the evidence base for alcohol guidelines provided by Government to the public.
Consumption guidelines
The Department of Health provides guidance to the public on alcohol intake.
The Chief Medical Officer recommends that men should not regularly drink more than 3–4 units of alcohol a day and women should not regularly drink more than 2–3 units a day.
Pregnant women or women trying to conceive are advised to avoid drinking alcohol. If they do choose to drink, they should not drink more than 1-2 units of alcohol once or twice a week.
Parents are advised that children should not drink any alcohol until they’re at least 15 years old.
Further information
A further evidence session will be announced in due course.