Post on 13-May-2015
From Awareness to Action –
The Scottish Experience Dr Peter Rice MB, ChB, FRCPsych, FRCPE
Chair,Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems
It’s aye been like this…..
IT’S ALL ABOUTTHEM NOT US
ISD 2005ISD 2005
Alcohol Related Deaths in Scotland 1980 - 2003
British Liver Trust / ONS 2009
UK MORTALITY TRENDS
WHAT IS SCOTTISH HEALTHACTION ON ALCOHOL PROBLEMS ?
The strategic aim of industry actors is to be perceived as key partners in the policy making process.
They defend their right to be consulted on policy issues as relevant stakeholders
Industry able to offer policy solutions to ministers faced with a multitude of problems and finite resources to address them.
Deliberate tactic to use the iconic nature of whisky…as a way to undermine support for Minimum Unit Pricing.
Holden, Hawkins and McCambridge Alcohol Research UK 2012
THE ALCOHOL INDUSTRY’S RESPONSE
The opinion of the Court of Session was that:
•Alcohol pricing was an issue on which member states have authority to pass legislation.
•Restrictions on trade can be justified on health grounds.
•There must be good grounds to expect that the measure proposed will achieve the government’s stated aims.
•The expected effectiveness of the measure must be well grounded and likely to be more effective than other measures in achieving the aims of the legislation.
•European legislation regarding trade harmonisation do not deal with health considerations which remain the responsibility of member states.
The opinion concludes: In my opinion none of the challenges to the minimum pricing measures is well founded. There is no proper basis for the petitioners being granted any of the remedies which they seek. The petition is refused.
ALCOHOL DEATHS ARE STARTING TO FALL …..AFTER A 20 YEARS RISE
IS THE RECESSION HELPING ?
Appleby J BMJ 2012;344:bmj.e2634
©2012 by British Medical Journal Publishing Group
LESSONS FROM SCOTLAND
• Data is important.
• Have an overall game plan…..but keep your eye on the ball.
• Different organisations have different strengths. Front line staff have a special role in public campaigns.
• Producers and retailers are obliged to act in their shareholders best interest.
• You need luck AND skill.
• It doesn’t end………