Alcohol education scheme launched

A campaign to educate the public about alcohol units and responsible drinking has been launched by retailers.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA)'s Know Your Drinks campaign has issued posters and stickers outlining alcohol content to over 12,000 shops.

Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said it was a "good example of industry taking responsibility for their sales".

WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles added: "Consumers should have helpful information and advice to hand."

'Safe levels'

The scheme will work alongside the Government's Know Your Limits campaign, setting out the alcohol content of individual drinks and providing tips on how to enjoy alcohol safely.

It points out that a 125ml glass of wine with 12% alcohol has 1.5 units, while a 440ml can of 4.1% beer contains 1.8 units.

Under government guidelines, women are advised not to regularly exceed two to three units a day, while men are urged not to drink over than three to four daily units.

Derek Lewis, chairman of the Drinkaware Trust, said: "We believe that in the long run the cumulative effect of reinforcing messages about units and safe levels of drinking will play a part in creating a more responsible culture in the UK."

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Wine and Spirit Trade Association
Department of Health
Drinkaware Trust
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