Alcohol Focus Scotland
@alcoholfocus.bsky.social
Scotland's national charity working to prevent and reduce the harm caused by alcohol.
Website: https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/
Alcohol Free Childhood Campaign: https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/Alcohol-Free-Childhood/
Website: https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/
Alcohol Free Childhood Campaign: https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/Alcohol-Free-Childhood/
Pinned
We're delighted that First Minister John Swinney recently pledged his support to our Alcohol-Free Childhood campaign ✍️
The campaign aims to ensure that children and young people grow up free from the harmful effects of #AlcoholMarketing
Read more 🔽
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/al...
The campaign aims to ensure that children and young people grow up free from the harmful effects of #AlcoholMarketing
Read more 🔽
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/al...
Record #AlcoholDeaths in Northern Ireland
It is particularly concerning to note delays in Northern Ireland implementing minimum unit pricing #MUP
The NI Executive should move at pace to introduce MUP as part of wider measures to reduce alcohol deaths
It is particularly concerning to note delays in Northern Ireland implementing minimum unit pricing #MUP
The NI Executive should move at pace to introduce MUP as part of wider measures to reduce alcohol deaths
Alcohol deaths in Northern Ireland reach another record high, with 397 alcohol-specific deaths in 2024, up from 341 in 2023
📈81% increase since 2014
♂️Double the deaths among men vs women
💷Four times the deaths in most deprived areas compared to least
datavis.nisra.gov.uk/vitalStatist...
📈81% increase since 2014
♂️Double the deaths among men vs women
💷Four times the deaths in most deprived areas compared to least
datavis.nisra.gov.uk/vitalStatist...
February 11, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Record #AlcoholDeaths in Northern Ireland
It is particularly concerning to note delays in Northern Ireland implementing minimum unit pricing #MUP
The NI Executive should move at pace to introduce MUP as part of wider measures to reduce alcohol deaths
It is particularly concerning to note delays in Northern Ireland implementing minimum unit pricing #MUP
The NI Executive should move at pace to introduce MUP as part of wider measures to reduce alcohol deaths
Fantastic quote at the @scvo.scot session on #TheGathering
"15 years on from Christie it's too late for incremental change. We need full on transformation."
"15 years on from Christie it's too late for incremental change. We need full on transformation."
February 10, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Fantastic quote at the @scvo.scot session on #TheGathering
"15 years on from Christie it's too late for incremental change. We need full on transformation."
"15 years on from Christie it's too late for incremental change. We need full on transformation."
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Today is Safer Internet Day 2026.
There is significant association between exposure to alcohol ads & drinking behaviour, particularly among children. Social-media & video sharing platforms are ideal spaces for marketing, allowing alcohol companies to reach young people
www.webwise.ie/news/safer-i...
There is significant association between exposure to alcohol ads & drinking behaviour, particularly among children. Social-media & video sharing platforms are ideal spaces for marketing, allowing alcohol companies to reach young people
www.webwise.ie/news/safer-i...
Safer Internet Day 2026 -
Safer Internet Day will take place on 11th February, with the theme, “Prepare / Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers.”
www.webwise.ie
February 10, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Today is Safer Internet Day 2026.
There is significant association between exposure to alcohol ads & drinking behaviour, particularly among children. Social-media & video sharing platforms are ideal spaces for marketing, allowing alcohol companies to reach young people
www.webwise.ie/news/safer-i...
There is significant association between exposure to alcohol ads & drinking behaviour, particularly among children. Social-media & video sharing platforms are ideal spaces for marketing, allowing alcohol companies to reach young people
www.webwise.ie/news/safer-i...
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
It’s #COAWeek 2026!
Let’s break the silence around growing up with a parent who drinks too much.
The theme this year is helping ‘the next generation’.
Join the movement for change!
💙 COAweek.org.uk.
Let’s break the silence around growing up with a parent who drinks too much.
The theme this year is helping ‘the next generation’.
Join the movement for change!
💙 COAweek.org.uk.
Home - COA Week
COA Week 2024 | Together we can break the silence and help children affected by their parent's drinking know they're not alone.
COAweek.org.uk
February 8, 2026 at 8:36 AM
It’s #COAWeek 2026!
Let’s break the silence around growing up with a parent who drinks too much.
The theme this year is helping ‘the next generation’.
Join the movement for change!
💙 COAweek.org.uk.
Let’s break the silence around growing up with a parent who drinks too much.
The theme this year is helping ‘the next generation’.
Join the movement for change!
💙 COAweek.org.uk.
#TodayAtAFS we're at the @scvo.scot #TheGathering
Staff attending sessions right now on prevention & tackling health inequalities and AI.
Staff attending sessions right now on prevention & tackling health inequalities and AI.
February 10, 2026 at 11:15 AM
#TodayAtAFS we're at the @scvo.scot #TheGathering
Staff attending sessions right now on prevention & tackling health inequalities and AI.
Staff attending sessions right now on prevention & tackling health inequalities and AI.
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa3zb
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa3zb
February 10, 2026 at 9:32 AM
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa3zb
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/9Pa3zb
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
How can recovery orientated services empower communities to thrive?
Join @healthimprovescot.bsky.social, Harbour Ayrshire, Professor David Best & SHAAP's Dr David McCartney for insights on frameworks bridging harm reduction & recovery.
📅 3 March, 11am-1pm
Join @healthimprovescot.bsky.social, Harbour Ayrshire, Professor David Best & SHAAP's Dr David McCartney for insights on frameworks bridging harm reduction & recovery.
📅 3 March, 11am-1pm
February 9, 2026 at 3:26 PM
How can recovery orientated services empower communities to thrive?
Join @healthimprovescot.bsky.social, Harbour Ayrshire, Professor David Best & SHAAP's Dr David McCartney for insights on frameworks bridging harm reduction & recovery.
📅 3 March, 11am-1pm
Join @healthimprovescot.bsky.social, Harbour Ayrshire, Professor David Best & SHAAP's Dr David McCartney for insights on frameworks bridging harm reduction & recovery.
📅 3 March, 11am-1pm
Similar picture in many communities in Scotland.
Watch this space for a new project delving into this in the coming months...👀
Watch this space for a new project delving into this in the coming months...👀
Deprived areas have 70% more vape shops, bookmakers, off-licences and takeaways than in prosperous areas.
They also have half the number of childcare facilities and 25% less social infrastructure such as gyms, cafes and pubs.
For years IAS has...
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
They also have half the number of childcare facilities and 25% less social infrastructure such as gyms, cafes and pubs.
For years IAS has...
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
England’s poorest areas have 70% more vape shops and bookmakers than wealthier ones
Data shows deprived communities have more off-licences and takeaways and fewer childcare facilities and gyms
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Similar picture in many communities in Scotland.
Watch this space for a new project delving into this in the coming months...👀
Watch this space for a new project delving into this in the coming months...👀
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/4iuonI
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/4iuonI
February 8, 2026 at 10:29 AM
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/4iuonI
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/4iuonI
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
ICYMI: New @StirUni research discovers the insidious impact of alcohol marketing on young people. @RickPurves explains more below
More info 👉 brnw.ch/21wZG85
More info 👉 brnw.ch/21wZG85
February 6, 2026 at 3:53 PM
ICYMI: New @StirUni research discovers the insidious impact of alcohol marketing on young people. @RickPurves explains more below
More info 👉 brnw.ch/21wZG85
More info 👉 brnw.ch/21wZG85
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Approaching the end of my first week as CEO of @alcoholfocus.bsky.social. So impressed by our highly dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive team and the breadth of work going on, all underpinned by constant efforts to involve people affected by alcohol. I have lots to learn, but a great start.
February 6, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Approaching the end of my first week as CEO of @alcoholfocus.bsky.social. So impressed by our highly dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive team and the breadth of work going on, all underpinned by constant efforts to involve people affected by alcohol. I have lots to learn, but a great start.
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/4iuonD
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/4iuonD
February 6, 2026 at 3:30 PM
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/4iuonD
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Senior Co-ordinator (Policy)
Full time, £32,000
Find out more and apply below
https://twp.ai/4iuonD
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
💡SHAAP's Chair, Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, talks about the findings of the new Stirling University research and how alcohol advertising influences young people.
With a busy year of sport ahead, we must be aware of how this impacts children🧠
With a busy year of sport ahead, we must be aware of how this impacts children🧠
February 6, 2026 at 9:47 AM
💡SHAAP's Chair, Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, talks about the findings of the new Stirling University research and how alcohol advertising influences young people.
With a busy year of sport ahead, we must be aware of how this impacts children🧠
With a busy year of sport ahead, we must be aware of how this impacts children🧠
Let someone mark their own homework and they get near perfect scores. 🏆
Funny that...🙄
Self regulation does not work. It's time we introduced genuine restrictions on #AlcoholMarketing, especially to protect children and young people
#AlcoholFreeKids
Funny that...🙄
Self regulation does not work. It's time we introduced genuine restrictions on #AlcoholMarketing, especially to protect children and young people
#AlcoholFreeKids
“Near universal adherence” - says the alcohol industry about its own rules. Nothing to see here, apparently. 🙄
Self-regulation has always been the industry’s favourite shield, and this Portman Group audit proves why it doesn’t work
A system designed...
www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/portman...
Self-regulation has always been the industry’s favourite shield, and this Portman Group audit proves why it doesn’t work
A system designed...
www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/portman...
Portman Group hails ‘near universal’ adherence to booze marketing rules
Only 5% of products assessed were deemed in breach of marketing guidelines
www.thegrocer.co.uk
February 6, 2026 at 10:37 AM
Let someone mark their own homework and they get near perfect scores. 🏆
Funny that...🙄
Self regulation does not work. It's time we introduced genuine restrictions on #AlcoholMarketing, especially to protect children and young people
#AlcoholFreeKids
Funny that...🙄
Self regulation does not work. It's time we introduced genuine restrictions on #AlcoholMarketing, especially to protect children and young people
#AlcoholFreeKids
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/about-vacanc...
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/about-vacanc...
February 5, 2026 at 5:29 PM
We're recruiting!
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/about-vacanc...
AFS currently has a vacancy for a Financial Controller (18 hours)
£43,000 pro-rata
Find out more and apply below
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/about-vacanc...
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
New @sarg-scharr.bsky.social study busts a big alcohol industry myth.
Claims that reducing alcohol consumption “hurts the economy” ignore a key fact: people don’t burn the money they don’t spend on alcohol - they spend it elsewhere.
Using UK... 🧵
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Claims that reducing alcohol consumption “hurts the economy” ignore a key fact: people don’t burn the money they don’t spend on alcohol - they spend it elsewhere.
Using UK... 🧵
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Modelling the economic effects of reducing the consumption of unhealthy commodities: An inter‐sectoral input–output approach
Aims Industry arguments against public health policies that reduce the consumption of unhealthy commodities often include the assertion that the policy will harm the economy by reducing production a...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:37 AM
New @sarg-scharr.bsky.social study busts a big alcohol industry myth.
Claims that reducing alcohol consumption “hurts the economy” ignore a key fact: people don’t burn the money they don’t spend on alcohol - they spend it elsewhere.
Using UK... 🧵
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Claims that reducing alcohol consumption “hurts the economy” ignore a key fact: people don’t burn the money they don’t spend on alcohol - they spend it elsewhere.
Using UK... 🧵
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Nearly 40% of cancer cases are preventable.
The National Cancer Plan is welcome, but we must ensure long-term measures that we know will help prevent cancers resulting from consumption of products like tobacco, alcohol & unhealthy food, are introduced at pace.
#WorldCancerDay
👀 ➡️ bit.ly/3NWai63
The National Cancer Plan is welcome, but we must ensure long-term measures that we know will help prevent cancers resulting from consumption of products like tobacco, alcohol & unhealthy food, are introduced at pace.
#WorldCancerDay
👀 ➡️ bit.ly/3NWai63
February 4, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Nearly 40% of cancer cases are preventable.
The National Cancer Plan is welcome, but we must ensure long-term measures that we know will help prevent cancers resulting from consumption of products like tobacco, alcohol & unhealthy food, are introduced at pace.
#WorldCancerDay
👀 ➡️ bit.ly/3NWai63
The National Cancer Plan is welcome, but we must ensure long-term measures that we know will help prevent cancers resulting from consumption of products like tobacco, alcohol & unhealthy food, are introduced at pace.
#WorldCancerDay
👀 ➡️ bit.ly/3NWai63
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Bit of a wake up call here: when your child or teenager sees zero alcohol brands plastered over the Six Nations (starting tonight!) they are actually seeing alcohol marketing. And this increases their chances of drinking earlier in life, and developing an alcohol problem.
New research with @stir.ac.uk: 11-17 year olds see alcohol branding almost every time they watch football or rugby.
👀They recognise alibi marketing and interpret no-low promotions as ads for full-strength alcohol.
📣We're calling for comprehensive restrictions on alcohol marketing in sport.
👀They recognise alibi marketing and interpret no-low promotions as ads for full-strength alcohol.
📣We're calling for comprehensive restrictions on alcohol marketing in sport.
Study reveals insidious impact of alcohol marketing on young people | About | University of Stirling
Study reveals insidious impact of alcohol marketing on young people
www.stir.ac.uk
February 5, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Bit of a wake up call here: when your child or teenager sees zero alcohol brands plastered over the Six Nations (starting tonight!) they are actually seeing alcohol marketing. And this increases their chances of drinking earlier in life, and developing an alcohol problem.
We can talk about our favourite TV shows 📺
But can we talk to someone about their alcohol use?
Our website provides helpful tips on how you sensitively raise the topic with those you care about
#BraveTheBigTalk
#TimeToTalkDay
https://twp.ai/9PZnTQ
But can we talk to someone about their alcohol use?
Our website provides helpful tips on how you sensitively raise the topic with those you care about
#BraveTheBigTalk
#TimeToTalkDay
https://twp.ai/9PZnTQ
February 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM
We can talk about our favourite TV shows 📺
But can we talk to someone about their alcohol use?
Our website provides helpful tips on how you sensitively raise the topic with those you care about
#BraveTheBigTalk
#TimeToTalkDay
https://twp.ai/9PZnTQ
But can we talk to someone about their alcohol use?
Our website provides helpful tips on how you sensitively raise the topic with those you care about
#BraveTheBigTalk
#TimeToTalkDay
https://twp.ai/9PZnTQ
#AlcoholMarketing has no place in childhood.
All children should play, learn and socialise in places that are healthy and safe, protected from exposure to alcohol marketing
Join our #AlcoholFreeKids campaign 🔽
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/Alcohol-Free...
All children should play, learn and socialise in places that are healthy and safe, protected from exposure to alcohol marketing
Join our #AlcoholFreeKids campaign 🔽
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/Alcohol-Free...
February 5, 2026 at 12:32 PM
#AlcoholMarketing has no place in childhood.
All children should play, learn and socialise in places that are healthy and safe, protected from exposure to alcohol marketing
Join our #AlcoholFreeKids campaign 🔽
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/Alcohol-Free...
All children should play, learn and socialise in places that are healthy and safe, protected from exposure to alcohol marketing
Join our #AlcoholFreeKids campaign 🔽
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/Alcohol-Free...
The idea that youth drinking isn’t a problem anymore? ❌
New data shows youth drinking in Ireland has increased by 3% in the past year alone - and 12% since 2016.
New data shows youth drinking in Ireland has increased by 3% in the past year alone - and 12% since 2016.
alcoholireland.ie
Press release: 43,000 young people aged 15-24 in Ireland living with alcohol dependence as youth drinking levels continue to surge – new report - Alcohol Action Ireland
twp.ai
February 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM
The idea that youth drinking isn’t a problem anymore? ❌
New data shows youth drinking in Ireland has increased by 3% in the past year alone - and 12% since 2016.
New data shows youth drinking in Ireland has increased by 3% in the past year alone - and 12% since 2016.
Today is #WorldCancerDay
Too many people still don't know that #Alcohol causes #Cancer 🤔
#BigAlcohol would rather we were kept in the dark - lobbying hard against health warning labels 🤫
We think people have the right to know what's in the products they consume
Too many people still don't know that #Alcohol causes #Cancer 🤔
#BigAlcohol would rather we were kept in the dark - lobbying hard against health warning labels 🤫
We think people have the right to know what's in the products they consume
February 4, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Today is #WorldCancerDay
Too many people still don't know that #Alcohol causes #Cancer 🤔
#BigAlcohol would rather we were kept in the dark - lobbying hard against health warning labels 🤫
We think people have the right to know what's in the products they consume
Too many people still don't know that #Alcohol causes #Cancer 🤔
#BigAlcohol would rather we were kept in the dark - lobbying hard against health warning labels 🤫
We think people have the right to know what's in the products they consume
Well done to the @senedd.wales 👏
The Welsh Senedd has just voted to continue its minimum unit pricing policy and to increase the rate to 65p to match Scotland's.
"The evidence is clear: MUP has contributed positively to its intended objectives, and its operation has been broadly successful." - @sarah4bridgend.bsky.social
"The evidence is clear: MUP has contributed positively to its intended objectives, and its operation has been broadly successful." - @sarah4bridgend.bsky.social
February 3, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Well done to the @senedd.wales 👏
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
📣 The deadline for abstract submissions for our 'Alcohol Occasionals' online seminar series has now been extended to Friday 13th February 2026.
➡️ For more details, please see here: bit.ly/3LSajY5
➡️ For more details, please see here: bit.ly/3LSajY5
February 3, 2026 at 4:11 PM
📣 The deadline for abstract submissions for our 'Alcohol Occasionals' online seminar series has now been extended to Friday 13th February 2026.
➡️ For more details, please see here: bit.ly/3LSajY5
➡️ For more details, please see here: bit.ly/3LSajY5
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Alcohol Action Ireland has published the latest edition of its dial-moving report into youth drinking in Ireland, updated with data from the 2025 Healthy Ireland Survey.
alcoholireland.ie/press-releas...
alcoholireland.ie/press-releas...
Press release: 43,000 young people aged 15-24 in Ireland living with alcohol dependence as youth drinking levels continue to surge – new report - Alcohol Action Ireland
Alcohol Action Ireland press release (Thursday, 29 January 2026 ) Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI), the national independent advocate to reduce alcohol harm, has published an updated edition of its dial-m...
alcoholireland.ie
January 29, 2026 at 9:33 AM
Alcohol Action Ireland has published the latest edition of its dial-moving report into youth drinking in Ireland, updated with data from the 2025 Healthy Ireland Survey.
alcoholireland.ie/press-releas...
alcoholireland.ie/press-releas...