Alcohol warnings 'must be clearer'

The number of units in an "alcopop" is not always clear

The current way that drinkers can find out how much alcohol they are consuming is deeply flawed, says a watchdog.

The Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin wants the government to force manufacturers and pubs to clearly display the number of units on every drink container - even a pint glass.

The call comes after the Chief Medical Officer's "State of the Nation's Health" report warned that liver cirrhosis deaths were soaring - mainly due to increased alcohol intake.

The government must introduce mandatory, bold unit labelling on all alcoholic drinks containers

Joe Collier, Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin

Women in particular are drinking more than in previous years.

The report suggested that health warnings - similar to those on tobacco packets - might be needed in future.

Official health warnings tell drinkers not to exceed a set number of "units" of alcohol a week or day.

Men are not supposed to exceed 21 units a week, and four in any one day, and women are not supposed to have more than 14 units in a week, and three in a day.

Alcopop uncertainty

One unit roughly equates to a small glass of wine (125ml) which is 8% alcohol, half a pint of normal strength beer, or one measure of spirits.

Are they counting their units?

However, Joe Collier, the editor of Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin, says that the popularity of higher strength beers, ready-mixed "alcopops" and the tendency of many bars and pubs to serve wine in larger glasses, is making it difficult for consumers to keep track of their intake.

Many wines are now 12% to 14% by volume, adding to the alcohol in one glass, he said.

'Clear, reliable information'

He said: "The current 'unit of alcohol' rule is misleading and unreliable.

"In order to follow sensible drinking advice, especially prevalent in the run-up to Christmas, people need clear, reliable information on the unit content.

"The government must introduce mandatory, bold unit labelling on all alcoholic drinks containers."

The wide variations in the strengths of beers and wines may also cause consumers problems as they try to gauge whether it is safe to drive.

The Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin is published by the Consumers' Assocation.