Institute of Alcohol Studies
Institute of Alcohol Studies
The missing policies in the UK’s 10-Year Health Plan
The missing policies in the UK’s 10-Year Health Plan
The missing policies in the UK’s 10-Year Health Plan
Thursday 28th August 2025
Explore UK & Ireland's alcohol policies with Tabbin Almond & Jem Roberts. Delays, lobbying & the impact on public health are discussed.
37 minutes
Informative
Eye-opening
Honest
Educational
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Institute of Alcohol Studies
Overview:
Categories:
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Policy & Advocacy
Financial Health in Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Parenting & Children
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Get the buttons here!Unpacking UK & Ireland's Alcohol Policy Puzzle
Episode Overview
- Ireland's alcohol labelling law faces delays due to political influence.
- UK's Health Plan lacks minimum unit pricing and mandatory labelling.
- Industry lobbying impacts policy decisions significantly.
- Zero-alcohol products may increase health inequality.
- Minimum unit pricing can reduce alcohol-related harm effectively.
Pricing policies have a significant impact on reducing alcohol harm.
The Alcohol Alert Podcast takes you on a journey through the maze of UK and Ireland's alcohol policies. In this episode, Tabbin Almond, an alcohol-freedom coach, sits down with Jem Roberts, Head of External Affairs at the Institute of Alcohol Studies, to unravel the complexities of governmental health plans. They dive into the nitty-gritty of Ireland's pioneering alcohol labelling law, which has hit a snag due to political wrangling and industry lobbying.
You might wonder why something as straightforward as warning labels can cause such a stir. Jem explains how these labels, despite their potential to educate the public on alcohol-related cancer risks, are delayed – leaving thousands without vital information. Meanwhile, across the Irish Sea, the UK Government's 10-Year Health Plan is under scrutiny for omitting minimum unit pricing and offering only a lukewarm promise on mandatory labelling.
Jem shares insights into how political choices and industry influence play a pivotal role in shaping these policies. Curious about how these decisions impact public health? You'll hear about the real-world effects, like reduced violence and health inequalities when Scotland implemented minimum unit pricing. Tabbin and Jem also discuss the rise of alcohol-free drinks and their ironic role in increasing health inequality.
While zero-alcohol products are gaining popularity among wealthier consumers, the policies supporting them might inadvertently widen the health gap. So, what's the solution? Jem argues for more ambitious policies that tackle alcohol harm head-on. This episode is a must-listen if you're keen to understand the tug-of-war between public health and industry interests. It’s not just about policies – it’s about lives. Dive in to explore how informed choices can lead to healthier futures.