Industry urges caution as United Kingdom tells men to drink less alcohol

ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls, said: “The guidelines draw a link between alcohol intake and associated health risks, but go on to say that regular drinking levels increase the chance of dying from an alcohol-related condition by just 1%”.

Government health chiefs in Britain Friday revised official advice on alcohol consumption with a warning that any amount of alcohol increases the risk of cancer.

The tougher guidelines, released this week, advise men and women to drink no more than 14 alcohol units a week, which equates to six pints of beer, seven glasses of wine, or about half a bottle of whisky.

Women who find out they are pregnant after already having drunk during early pregnancy, should avoid further drinking, but should be aware that it is unlikely in most cases that their baby has been affected.

Under the old guidelines they were advised to stay away from alcohol, but if they did choose to drink to have no more than one or two units once or twice a week. The new guidelines have been set at a level to keep the risk of mortality from cancers or other diseases “low”.

In the report, Dame Sally Davies took into account new evidence on the increased risk of developing cancer from alcohol as well as the harm from binge-drinking.

New advice on single episodes of drinking includes limiting the total amount of alcohol consumed on any one occasion and drinking slowly.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she said: “We have to be very careful to ensure that the public know the risks of drink, so they can take their choice”.

Eric Carlin, Director of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) welcomed the launch of a public consultation alongside the new guidelines.

‘What is surprising is that the United Kingdom is breaking with established global precedent by recommending the same guidelines for men and women, ‘ said the industry-funded group’s chief executive, Henry Ashworth.

It is also not recommended for people to not drink for a week and double down on the next because they “saved up”.

“By the Government’s own admission, drinking at regular levels is no more risky than a host of everyday activities”.

“It is interesting to note that this is the first time the recommended low-risk level is the same for both men and women”.

However, they urge drinkers not to “save up” the 14 units for one day, and spread it across at least three days.

The amount of alcohol in a drink varies.

The guidelines also state that the benefits of red wine are less and apply to only women over the age of 55.