Alcohol products should warn about the harmful effects of drinking, just like cigarettes warn smokers – Britain’s All Parliamentary Party Group on Alcohol Misuse says.
The calorie content and health risks associated with alcohol should be spelled out clearly on labels, an influential group of MPs has said.
Drinkers should be clearly informed about the risks of alcohol in the same way smokers are told cigarettes cause cancer, according to an ‘alcohol manifesto’.
Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe, vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Misuse, said: “After smoking, alcohol is the second biggest preventable killer.
“All the political parties know that but they run for cover when they are confronted by the drinks industry and its immensely powerful lobby.
“These proposals give them another chance to consider whether they really have the guts to take a different line for the country’s wellbeing in the future.”
Jackie Ballard, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, said: “Alcohol misuse costs Britain £21 billion a year.
“We need urgent action to tackle this and the significant harmful effects alcohol misuse causes to individuals.
“I hope all parties will read the manifesto and show a commitment to the vital measures which it highlights.”
GPs and other healthcare workers should ask people about their drinking habits more often and all social workers and midwives should be trained to spot alcohol problems in parents, the document said.
Calories in alcohol:
| Calories | Equivalent | |
|
A large glass of wine (250ml) with 13% ABV (alcohol by volume) |
228 |
Cornetto ice cream or two fish fingers |
|
A standard glass of wine (175ml) with 13% ABV |
160 |
One slice of Madeira cake |
|
Half a bottle of 13% ABV wine |
340 | One pain au chocolat pastry |
|
A 275ml bottle of alcopop with 4% ABV |
171 |
A hot chocolate with whipped cream |
| A pint of ale or stout with 5% ABV | 250 |
A bagel |
| A pint of lager with 4% ABV | 180 |
One slice of pizza |
Drinking five pints of lager a week adds up to 44,200kcal over a year, equivalent to eating 221 doughnuts.
If you think you have an alcohol problem or are considering reducing your alcoholic intake, you should seek the advice of a health professional. www.doctors.com.au is an online resource that can help you find a doctor nearby that can help.