Website of the Department of Health
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Alcohol misuse
The Department of Health is responsible for Government health policy on alcohol misuse. Regularly drinking above the recommended daily limits for lower risk drinking of 2-3 units for women and 3-4 units for men, significantly increases the risk of ill health.
It is vital that action is taken to improve the health of those who regularly drink above the recommended daily limits for lower risk drinking and to protect those whose health and well-being suffer because of the drinking of others.
You can find further information about the Department’s work in the pages below.
The Home Office works with the Police to enforce the law relating to alcohol-related crime and disorder, especially focusing on problem premises and under-age sales.
What we are doing
The Department of Health is committed to tackling alcohol misuse through a wide range of initiatives.
Alcohol Improvement programme
The Department of Health has launched a major new programme comprising: Data, Tools, Guidance and practical support to PCTs and their partners in making an impact on alcohol-related harm. Find out more about the Alcohol Improvement Programme at the Alcohol Learning Centre via the link below.
Alcohol Advice
Find advice on unit guidelines, alcohol and pregnancy, as well as advice for young people.
Alcohol Campaigns
Know Your Limits – New campaign launched!
We have launched our biggest ever advertising campaign on alcohol and health. The new Know Your Limits campaign raises awareness of units and provides advice for when you have a drink.
Safe. Sensible. Social. The Government's Alcohol Strategy
‘Safe, Sensible, Social’ is the Government’s alcohol strategy and commits all Government departments to work together to tackle alcohol problems.
On 13 May the Home Office launched 'Selling Alcohol Responsibly: A consultation on the new code of practice for alcohol retailers'. The consultation closes on 5 August. Anyone who wishes to find out more and respond can do so by clicking on the link below.
Reducing Alcohol Harm
What are the Department of Health and the NHS doing to reduce alcohol harm?
Working with the alcohol industry
The Department of Health is working with the alcohol industry to encourage responsible promotions and improve the quality of information available to consumers.
Alcohol Publications
Department of Health publications, including public information leaflets, policy documents and guidance.
Alcohol Statistics
The Office for National Statistics and the Information Centre publish a range of statistics on alcohol use and misuse.
Useful links
Links to Government departments and organisations providing advice on alcohol.
Alcohol Policy Team Contacts
If you would like to contact someone from the Alcohol Policy Team at the Department of Health please click on the link below
Additional links
Statistics on Alcohol
The NHS Information Centre has published its Annual Statistical Bulletin for 2009.
Selling alcohol responsibly
The Home Office has launched a consultation on the new code of practice for alcohol retailers.
Know Your Limits
Campaign to tell drinkers how many units are in their drinks and help them stick to their limits.
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