Institute of Alcohol Studies
@ias.org.uk
An independent organisation that seeks to bridge the gap between science and public policies to reduce alcohol-related harm.
Website: https://www.ias.org.uk/
Newsletter & Podcast: https://instalcstud.substack.com/
Website: https://www.ias.org.uk/
Newsletter & Podcast: https://instalcstud.substack.com/
There are 132,000 premises that have a license for either just on-sales or both on- and off-sales of alcohol.
These premises have increased in number by 13% since 2007/08.
See our Availability page for more stats and charts.
www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/av...
These premises have increased in number by 13% since 2007/08.
See our Availability page for more stats and charts.
www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/av...
December 18, 2025 at 3:26 PM
There are 132,000 premises that have a license for either just on-sales or both on- and off-sales of alcohol.
These premises have increased in number by 13% since 2007/08.
See our Availability page for more stats and charts.
www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/av...
These premises have increased in number by 13% since 2007/08.
See our Availability page for more stats and charts.
www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/av...
The LGA welcomes the government's multi-year funding settlement for the Public Health Grant.
The Grant will total £13.45 billion over the next three years.
"However, public health services remain under significant pressure. To truly deliver on...
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/l...
The Grant will total £13.45 billion over the next three years.
"However, public health services remain under significant pressure. To truly deliver on...
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/l...
LGA responds to Local Government Public Health Grant
"Councils are committed to using this funding to improve the lives of local people and tackle the root causes of poor health."
www.local.gov.uk
December 18, 2025 at 2:40 PM
The LGA welcomes the government's multi-year funding settlement for the Public Health Grant.
The Grant will total £13.45 billion over the next three years.
"However, public health services remain under significant pressure. To truly deliver on...
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/l...
The Grant will total £13.45 billion over the next three years.
"However, public health services remain under significant pressure. To truly deliver on...
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/l...
Withdrawal? Crime? Other drug use?
A comprehensive review of minimum unit pricing found these fears don’t materialise – while health benefits do.
In our latest blog, Dr James Clay of @uviccisur.bsky.social explains.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/18/m...
A comprehensive review of minimum unit pricing found these fears don’t materialise – while health benefits do.
In our latest blog, Dr James Clay of @uviccisur.bsky.social explains.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/18/m...
Minimum unit pricing works – and it works for the people who need it most - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Real-world evidence from multiple countries shows that minimum unit pricing works: it cuts the purchase of high-strength cheap alcohol, improves health outcomes, and benefits those facing the highest ...
www.ias.org.uk
December 18, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Withdrawal? Crime? Other drug use?
A comprehensive review of minimum unit pricing found these fears don’t materialise – while health benefits do.
In our latest blog, Dr James Clay of @uviccisur.bsky.social explains.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/18/m...
A comprehensive review of minimum unit pricing found these fears don’t materialise – while health benefits do.
In our latest blog, Dr James Clay of @uviccisur.bsky.social explains.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/18/m...
Medical students need to understand addiction beyond the textbook.
Humanising Healthcare brings people in recovery into the classroom through their powerful “Conversation Cafés” - breaking stigma, building empathy, and transforming future clinical practice.
Humanising Healthcare brings people in recovery into the classroom through their powerful “Conversation Cafés” - breaking stigma, building empathy, and transforming future clinical practice.
Humanising Healthcare Conversation Cafe
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Medical students need to understand addiction beyond the textbook.
Humanising Healthcare brings people in recovery into the classroom through their powerful “Conversation Cafés” - breaking stigma, building empathy, and transforming future clinical practice.
Humanising Healthcare brings people in recovery into the classroom through their powerful “Conversation Cafés” - breaking stigma, building empathy, and transforming future clinical practice.
Trade bodies claim small duty rises slash Treasury revenue.
For this to be true, drinkers would have to be impossibly price-sensitive - far beyond anything found in decades of economic research.
The maths simply doesn’t work. We explain why:
For this to be true, drinkers would have to be impossibly price-sensitive - far beyond anything found in decades of economic research.
The maths simply doesn’t work. We explain why:
Autumn Budget Analysis 2025 - Institute of Alcohol Studies
In the Autumn Budget 2025 there were three key announcements: After the increase, alcohol duty will still be much lower than it was in 2012/13. In real terms: Alcohol trade bodies responded with…
www.ias.org.uk
December 17, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Trade bodies claim small duty rises slash Treasury revenue.
For this to be true, drinkers would have to be impossibly price-sensitive - far beyond anything found in decades of economic research.
The maths simply doesn’t work. We explain why:
For this to be true, drinkers would have to be impossibly price-sensitive - far beyond anything found in decades of economic research.
The maths simply doesn’t work. We explain why:
The alcohol industry says duty increases cut revenue.
Reality? Their claims make no economic sense - people aren’t that price-sensitive.
Jem Roberts breaks down the deception in our latest blog: www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/16/b...
Reality? Their claims make no economic sense - people aren’t that price-sensitive.
Jem Roberts breaks down the deception in our latest blog: www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/16/b...
Budget 2025: Alcohol duty kept with inflation, but still far from true cost - Institute of Alcohol Studies
What happened to alcohol at the 2025 Budget? Jem Roberts looks at what was announced and the irony of alcohol trade bodies criticising the OBR while making provably wrong economic claims.
www.ias.org.uk
December 16, 2025 at 8:59 AM
The alcohol industry says duty increases cut revenue.
Reality? Their claims make no economic sense - people aren’t that price-sensitive.
Jem Roberts breaks down the deception in our latest blog: www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/16/b...
Reality? Their claims make no economic sense - people aren’t that price-sensitive.
Jem Roberts breaks down the deception in our latest blog: www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/16/b...
Having an 'economic growth objective' would be in total contradiction to the purpose of alcohol licensing, which is about public protection.
Listen to our podcast on the huge issues with the proposed reforms here: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove... 🎙️
Listen to our podcast on the huge issues with the proposed reforms here: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove... 🎙️
December 15, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Having an 'economic growth objective' would be in total contradiction to the purpose of alcohol licensing, which is about public protection.
Listen to our podcast on the huge issues with the proposed reforms here: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove... 🎙️
Listen to our podcast on the huge issues with the proposed reforms here: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove... 🎙️
Alcohol duty will rise with inflation in Feb 2026 - a welcome step after years of freezes.
But even after this increase, duty will still be far lower in real terms than in 2012, leaving alcohol increasingly affordable and harmful.
📊 Read our Autumn Budget Analysis: www.ias.org.uk/report/autum...
But even after this increase, duty will still be far lower in real terms than in 2012, leaving alcohol increasingly affordable and harmful.
📊 Read our Autumn Budget Analysis: www.ias.org.uk/report/autum...
Autumn Budget Analysis 2025 - Institute of Alcohol Studies
In the Autumn Budget 2025 there were three key announcements: After the increase, alcohol duty will still be much lower than it was in 2012/13. In real terms: Alcohol trade bodies responded with predi...
www.ias.org.uk
December 15, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Alcohol duty will rise with inflation in Feb 2026 - a welcome step after years of freezes.
But even after this increase, duty will still be far lower in real terms than in 2012, leaving alcohol increasingly affordable and harmful.
📊 Read our Autumn Budget Analysis: www.ias.org.uk/report/autum...
But even after this increase, duty will still be far lower in real terms than in 2012, leaving alcohol increasingly affordable and harmful.
📊 Read our Autumn Budget Analysis: www.ias.org.uk/report/autum...
Naivety in the Department for Business and Trade explains many of the issues with the proposed licensing reforms.
🎙️Find out more in our latest podcast, with Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr James Nicholls 🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
🎙️Find out more in our latest podcast, with Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr James Nicholls 🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
December 10, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Naivety in the Department for Business and Trade explains many of the issues with the proposed licensing reforms.
🎙️Find out more in our latest podcast, with Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr James Nicholls 🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
🎙️Find out more in our latest podcast, with Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr James Nicholls 🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
Since minimum unit pricing was introduced in Scotland in 2018, the alcohol death rate has risen massively more in England.
While England's death rate is 29% higher than it was in 2018, Scotland's is essentially the same.
While England's death rate is 29% higher than it was in 2018, Scotland's is essentially the same.
December 9, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Since minimum unit pricing was introduced in Scotland in 2018, the alcohol death rate has risen massively more in England.
While England's death rate is 29% higher than it was in 2018, Scotland's is essentially the same.
While England's death rate is 29% higher than it was in 2018, Scotland's is essentially the same.
Only 29% of drinkers knew alcohol causes 7 cancers in a recent Canadian study.
But when people both knew and believed the link, they were nearly twice as likely to support policies to curb alcohol availability and marketing.
Awareness + belief matter.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
But when people both knew and believed the link, they were nearly twice as likely to support policies to curb alcohol availability and marketing.
Awareness + belief matter.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Does Believing Alcohol Causes Cancer Moderate the Relationship Between Consumer Awareness of the Alcohol–Cancer Link and Support for Alcohol Policies? Findings From a Canadian Cross‐Sectional Study
Introduction Extending research observing an association between awareness that alcohol causes cancer and support for alcohol policies, this study examined if believing or accepting alcohol causes c...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Only 29% of drinkers knew alcohol causes 7 cancers in a recent Canadian study.
But when people both knew and believed the link, they were nearly twice as likely to support policies to curb alcohol availability and marketing.
Awareness + belief matter.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
But when people both knew and believed the link, they were nearly twice as likely to support policies to curb alcohol availability and marketing.
Awareness + belief matter.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Alcohol availability is one of the strongest drivers of harm.
England & Wales have one of the most permissive licensing systems in the world, with soaring numbers of 24-hour and off-trade premises.
See our Availability page for updated info and charts: www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/av...
England & Wales have one of the most permissive licensing systems in the world, with soaring numbers of 24-hour and off-trade premises.
See our Availability page for updated info and charts: www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/av...
December 9, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Alcohol availability is one of the strongest drivers of harm.
England & Wales have one of the most permissive licensing systems in the world, with soaring numbers of 24-hour and off-trade premises.
See our Availability page for updated info and charts: www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/av...
England & Wales have one of the most permissive licensing systems in the world, with soaring numbers of 24-hour and off-trade premises.
See our Availability page for updated info and charts: www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/av...
Scotland’s Conversation Café model is changing how future doctors understand addiction.
💬 Guided discussions with people in recovery
👂 Real stories, real impact
📚 89% of students rated it 10/10 for usefulness
It’s time to scale this across all medical schools.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Go...
💬 Guided discussions with people in recovery
👂 Real stories, real impact
📚 89% of students rated it 10/10 for usefulness
It’s time to scale this across all medical schools.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Go...
Humanising Healthcare Conversation Cafe
YouTube video by Humanising Healthcare
www.youtube.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Scotland’s Conversation Café model is changing how future doctors understand addiction.
💬 Guided discussions with people in recovery
👂 Real stories, real impact
📚 89% of students rated it 10/10 for usefulness
It’s time to scale this across all medical schools.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Go...
💬 Guided discussions with people in recovery
👂 Real stories, real impact
📚 89% of students rated it 10/10 for usefulness
It’s time to scale this across all medical schools.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Go...
Giving licensing officers enhanced powers would hollow out local democratic accountability in licensing decisions.
🎙️Listen to our podcast with Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr James Nicholls🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
🎙️Listen to our podcast with Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr James Nicholls🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
December 5, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Giving licensing officers enhanced powers would hollow out local democratic accountability in licensing decisions.
🎙️Listen to our podcast with Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr James Nicholls🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
🎙️Listen to our podcast with Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr James Nicholls🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
Heineken has said that its 0% drink has led to "almost no cannibalisation and a positive Halo effect" - meaning it would do nothing to reduce alcohol consumption and harm.
Read our latest blog that looked at contrasting comms from zero alcohol producers.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/26/z...
Read our latest blog that looked at contrasting comms from zero alcohol producers.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/26/z...
Zero-alcohol products: a tool for moderation or a tool for growth? - Institute of Alcohol Studies
How do alcohol industry public-facing and industry-facing communications differ regarding how they talk about zero alcohol drinks?
www.ias.org.uk
December 4, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Heineken has said that its 0% drink has led to "almost no cannibalisation and a positive Halo effect" - meaning it would do nothing to reduce alcohol consumption and harm.
Read our latest blog that looked at contrasting comms from zero alcohol producers.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/26/z...
Read our latest blog that looked at contrasting comms from zero alcohol producers.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/26/z...
89% of organisations support MUP in the UK, with only 8% opposed and 3% neutral or undecided, finds a new report by the AHA.
Analysing hundreds of consultation responses, media reports, academic articles and more, it shows support even among many alcohol industry groups.
ahauk.org/wp-content/u...
Analysing hundreds of consultation responses, media reports, academic articles and more, it shows support even among many alcohol industry groups.
ahauk.org/wp-content/u...
December 4, 2025 at 10:31 AM
89% of organisations support MUP in the UK, with only 8% opposed and 3% neutral or undecided, finds a new report by the AHA.
Analysing hundreds of consultation responses, media reports, academic articles and more, it shows support even among many alcohol industry groups.
ahauk.org/wp-content/u...
Analysing hundreds of consultation responses, media reports, academic articles and more, it shows support even among many alcohol industry groups.
ahauk.org/wp-content/u...
The World Cancer Research Fund has developed a case study document about their alcohol and cancer campaign, which ran earlier this year.
It explains their objectives, strategic approach, successes, impact, and lessons for others.
www.wcrf.org/wp-content/u...
It explains their objectives, strategic approach, successes, impact, and lessons for others.
www.wcrf.org/wp-content/u...
December 4, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The World Cancer Research Fund has developed a case study document about their alcohol and cancer campaign, which ran earlier this year.
It explains their objectives, strategic approach, successes, impact, and lessons for others.
www.wcrf.org/wp-content/u...
It explains their objectives, strategic approach, successes, impact, and lessons for others.
www.wcrf.org/wp-content/u...
Alcohol deaths fall in England for first time since pandemic
Alcohol-specific and -related deaths have fallen in England for the first time since huge rises after the pandemic.
7,673 people died from alcohol-specific causes in 2024, down from 8,274 in 2023, a drop of 7.3%. (🧵)
Alcohol-specific and -related deaths have fallen in England for the first time since huge rises after the pandemic.
7,673 people died from alcohol-specific causes in 2024, down from 8,274 in 2023, a drop of 7.3%. (🧵)
December 3, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Alcohol deaths fall in England for first time since pandemic
Alcohol-specific and -related deaths have fallen in England for the first time since huge rises after the pandemic.
7,673 people died from alcohol-specific causes in 2024, down from 8,274 in 2023, a drop of 7.3%. (🧵)
Alcohol-specific and -related deaths have fallen in England for the first time since huge rises after the pandemic.
7,673 people died from alcohol-specific causes in 2024, down from 8,274 in 2023, a drop of 7.3%. (🧵)
Recovery from alcohol dependence isn’t just personal - it’s structural.
Our 'Barriers to Recovery' report calls for fairer alcohol pricing, stronger legal protections, and better-funded treatment.
Let’s build a system that works.
Our 'Barriers to Recovery' report calls for fairer alcohol pricing, stronger legal protections, and better-funded treatment.
Let’s build a system that works.
Barriers to Recovery: Overcoming obstacles to alcohol recovery in the UK - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Alcohol-related harm continues to escalate in the United Kingdom (UK), with 2023 marking the highest number of alcohol-specific deaths recorded in England, and only 22% of those in need accessing…
www.ias.org.uk
December 2, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Recovery from alcohol dependence isn’t just personal - it’s structural.
Our 'Barriers to Recovery' report calls for fairer alcohol pricing, stronger legal protections, and better-funded treatment.
Let’s build a system that works.
Our 'Barriers to Recovery' report calls for fairer alcohol pricing, stronger legal protections, and better-funded treatment.
Let’s build a system that works.
Labour MP @bengoldsborough.bsky.social says pub landlords tell him that "supermarkets have an unfair advantage on alcohol pricing".
This is why we have called for alcohol duty to be significantly increased on off-trade alcohol, while protecting draught relief.
www.ias.org.uk/report/autum...
This is why we have called for alcohol duty to be significantly increased on off-trade alcohol, while protecting draught relief.
www.ias.org.uk/report/autum...
Autumn Budget Submission 2025 - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Raising alcohol duty is identified as one of the most effective and cost-effective policies to tackle the exorbitant health and economic harms associated with alcohol consumption. With alcohol deaths ...
www.ias.org.uk
December 2, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Labour MP @bengoldsborough.bsky.social says pub landlords tell him that "supermarkets have an unfair advantage on alcohol pricing".
This is why we have called for alcohol duty to be significantly increased on off-trade alcohol, while protecting draught relief.
www.ias.org.uk/report/autum...
This is why we have called for alcohol duty to be significantly increased on off-trade alcohol, while protecting draught relief.
www.ias.org.uk/report/autum...
DHSC has published its clinical guidelines for alcohol treatment.
Developed by expert clinicians and people with lived experience, they aim to improve the quality and consistency of alcohol treatment and reduce widening health inequalities.
www.gov.uk/guidance/cli...
Developed by expert clinicians and people with lived experience, they aim to improve the quality and consistency of alcohol treatment and reduce widening health inequalities.
www.gov.uk/guidance/cli...
Clinical guidelines for alcohol treatment
UK clinical guidelines recommending interventions for people with harmful patterns of drinking and alcohol dependence, supporting and promoting good practice.
www.gov.uk
December 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
DHSC has published its clinical guidelines for alcohol treatment.
Developed by expert clinicians and people with lived experience, they aim to improve the quality and consistency of alcohol treatment and reduce widening health inequalities.
www.gov.uk/guidance/cli...
Developed by expert clinicians and people with lived experience, they aim to improve the quality and consistency of alcohol treatment and reduce widening health inequalities.
www.gov.uk/guidance/cli...
Big hospitality chains will be the ones to benefit from later opening hours that the licensing reforms are likely to bring
🎙️Find out more about the proposals and risks to public health in our latest podcast, with Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr James Nicholls 🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
🎙️Find out more about the proposals and risks to public health in our latest podcast, with Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr James Nicholls 🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
December 1, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Big hospitality chains will be the ones to benefit from later opening hours that the licensing reforms are likely to bring
🎙️Find out more about the proposals and risks to public health in our latest podcast, with Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr James Nicholls 🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
🎙️Find out more about the proposals and risks to public health in our latest podcast, with Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr James Nicholls 🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
The Treasury should introduce an alcohol duty escalator, targeting off-trade alcohol, to help fund alcohol treatment and narrow the widening gap in price between supermarket and pub alcohol, says Labour MP @catsmithmp.bsky.social.
@dantomlinson.bsky.social @aha-uk.bsky.social
@dantomlinson.bsky.social @aha-uk.bsky.social
November 28, 2025 at 10:57 AM
The Treasury should introduce an alcohol duty escalator, targeting off-trade alcohol, to help fund alcohol treatment and narrow the widening gap in price between supermarket and pub alcohol, says Labour MP @catsmithmp.bsky.social.
@dantomlinson.bsky.social @aha-uk.bsky.social
@dantomlinson.bsky.social @aha-uk.bsky.social
Alcohol is everywhere - marketing, 24/7 availability, and social norms make recovery harder than it should be.
Our new report 'Barriers to Recovery' outlines these obstacles and how we can change them.
#LetsTalkAddiction
www.ias.org.uk/report/barri...
Our new report 'Barriers to Recovery' outlines these obstacles and how we can change them.
#LetsTalkAddiction
www.ias.org.uk/report/barri...
Barriers to Recovery: Overcoming obstacles to alcohol recovery in the UK - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Alcohol-related harm continues to escalate in the United Kingdom (UK), with 2023 marking the highest number of alcohol-specific deaths recorded in England, and only 22% of those in need accessing spec...
www.ias.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Alcohol is everywhere - marketing, 24/7 availability, and social norms make recovery harder than it should be.
Our new report 'Barriers to Recovery' outlines these obstacles and how we can change them.
#LetsTalkAddiction
www.ias.org.uk/report/barri...
Our new report 'Barriers to Recovery' outlines these obstacles and how we can change them.
#LetsTalkAddiction
www.ias.org.uk/report/barri...
The government’s licensing reforms process has been rushed, opaque, and dominated by industry - and could seriously weaken public health
🎙️In our latest podcast, we spoke to Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr @jamesnicholls.bsky.social about the proposals🎧 @stir.ac.uk
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
🎙️In our latest podcast, we spoke to Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr @jamesnicholls.bsky.social about the proposals🎧 @stir.ac.uk
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
November 27, 2025 at 9:36 AM
The government’s licensing reforms process has been rushed, opaque, and dominated by industry - and could seriously weaken public health
🎙️In our latest podcast, we spoke to Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr @jamesnicholls.bsky.social about the proposals🎧 @stir.ac.uk
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...
🎙️In our latest podcast, we spoke to Prof Niamh Fitzgerald & Dr @jamesnicholls.bsky.social about the proposals🎧 @stir.ac.uk
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/gove...