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/
Heineken has cut Foster’s ABV to 3.4%, down from 3.7%, explicitly citing alcohol duty rates as the reason.
A clear sign that the UK's strength-based system is working - encouraging producers to make less strong, less harmful drinks. 🍺📉
A clear sign that the UK's strength-based system is working - encouraging producers to make less strong, less harmful drinks. 🍺📉
Heineken UK cuts Foster's beer alcohol strength to 3.4%
The brewer said the change could lead to cheaper pints.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Heineken has cut Foster’s ABV to 3.4%, down from 3.7%, explicitly citing alcohol duty rates as the reason.
A clear sign that the UK's strength-based system is working - encouraging producers to make less strong, less harmful drinks. 🍺📉
A clear sign that the UK's strength-based system is working - encouraging producers to make less strong, less harmful drinks. 🍺📉
Proposed changes to alcohol licensing put “growth” ahead of health. A BMJ editorial warns this is a policy made for industry, not for people.
"A prevention approach starts from the recognition that health is not a barrier to economic prosperity...
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
"A prevention approach starts from the recognition that health is not a barrier to economic prosperity...
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
Proposed changes to alcohol licensing should make us question whose interests we’re serving in the name of growth
Increasing the consumption of harmful products is the opposite of healthy or productive growth, say Nason Maani and colleagues
Preventable ill health is at the heart of the challenges facing this co...
www.bmj.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Proposed changes to alcohol licensing put “growth” ahead of health. A BMJ editorial warns this is a policy made for industry, not for people.
"A prevention approach starts from the recognition that health is not a barrier to economic prosperity...
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
"A prevention approach starts from the recognition that health is not a barrier to economic prosperity...
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
Reposted by Institute of Alcohol Studies
SARG Director @jholmessheff.bsky.social was part of an expert panel that supported the development of 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK', a significant new report published by the Institute of Alcohol Studies @ias.org.uk this week. @fohsheffield.bsky.social
Professor John Holmes contributes to major new report outlining actions to tackle alcohol harm - Sheffield Addictions Research Group
SARG Director Professor John Holmes was part of an expert panel that supported the development of 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK', a significant new report pu...
sarg-sheffield.ac.uk
November 13, 2025 at 1:17 PM
SARG Director @jholmessheff.bsky.social was part of an expert panel that supported the development of 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK', a significant new report published by the Institute of Alcohol Studies @ias.org.uk this week. @fohsheffield.bsky.social
Raising alcohol duty by 2% above inflation for 5 years would bring an extra £3.4 billion into the Treasury.
This would pay the salaries of 37,000 NHS nurses over the period.
Try out the @aha-uk.bsky.social calculator to see the economic benefits of a duty escalator: ahauk.org/alcohol-duty...
This would pay the salaries of 37,000 NHS nurses over the period.
Try out the @aha-uk.bsky.social calculator to see the economic benefits of a duty escalator: ahauk.org/alcohol-duty...
November 13, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Raising alcohol duty by 2% above inflation for 5 years would bring an extra £3.4 billion into the Treasury.
This would pay the salaries of 37,000 NHS nurses over the period.
Try out the @aha-uk.bsky.social calculator to see the economic benefits of a duty escalator: ahauk.org/alcohol-duty...
This would pay the salaries of 37,000 NHS nurses over the period.
Try out the @aha-uk.bsky.social calculator to see the economic benefits of a duty escalator: ahauk.org/alcohol-duty...
One of the most effective ways to reduce record high alcohol deaths would be to reintroduce the 'alcohol duty escalator' that Alistair Darling brought in, as @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social refers to in this debate about wine duty.
It was also the only time in...
hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025...
It was also the only time in...
hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025...
November 12, 2025 at 12:05 PM
One of the most effective ways to reduce record high alcohol deaths would be to reintroduce the 'alcohol duty escalator' that Alistair Darling brought in, as @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social refers to in this debate about wine duty.
It was also the only time in...
hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025...
It was also the only time in...
hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025...
Industry economic arguments are easier to make than public health economic arguments.
🎧 Listen to our October podcast on @ippr.org/Alcohol Change UK's new report on the impact alcohol has on workplace productivity🎙️
Guest: Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
🎧 Listen to our October podcast on @ippr.org/Alcohol Change UK's new report on the impact alcohol has on workplace productivity🎙️
Guest: Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
November 12, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Industry economic arguments are easier to make than public health economic arguments.
🎧 Listen to our October podcast on @ippr.org/Alcohol Change UK's new report on the impact alcohol has on workplace productivity🎙️
Guest: Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
🎧 Listen to our October podcast on @ippr.org/Alcohol Change UK's new report on the impact alcohol has on workplace productivity🎙️
Guest: Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
Imagine a UK where alcohol harm is rare and everyone has an equal chance of good health.
That’s the vision behind the new report 'A Healthier Future', which sets out the roadmap - and how cross-government action can make it happen.
🗺️ View and share 👉 www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
That’s the vision behind the new report 'A Healthier Future', which sets out the roadmap - and how cross-government action can make it happen.
🗺️ View and share 👉 www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
November 12, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Imagine a UK where alcohol harm is rare and everyone has an equal chance of good health.
That’s the vision behind the new report 'A Healthier Future', which sets out the roadmap - and how cross-government action can make it happen.
🗺️ View and share 👉 www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
That’s the vision behind the new report 'A Healthier Future', which sets out the roadmap - and how cross-government action can make it happen.
🗺️ View and share 👉 www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
Clinicians: Should patients at high risk of alcohol harm use no and low-alcohol drinks?
New research highlights the need for nuanced guidance beyond zero-tolerance, considering non-abstinence goals and harm reduction:
New research highlights the need for nuanced guidance beyond zero-tolerance, considering non-abstinence goals and harm reduction:
Zero tolerance for 0%? How should clinicians and other practitioners respond to the use of alcohol‐free and low‐alcohol products in higher risk groups
Alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks (no/lo drinks) are now widely available and popular with consumers in high-income countries; however, it is unclear whether clinicians and others working to…
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Clinicians: Should patients at high risk of alcohol harm use no and low-alcohol drinks?
New research highlights the need for nuanced guidance beyond zero-tolerance, considering non-abstinence goals and harm reduction:
New research highlights the need for nuanced guidance beyond zero-tolerance, considering non-abstinence goals and harm reduction:
Tobacco control showed what’s possible with a clear, long-term vision.
Now we need the same ambition to tackle alcohol harm.
Find out what we’re calling for - and how you can help - in our latest blog: www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/11/w...
Now we need the same ambition to tackle alcohol harm.
Find out what we’re calling for - and how you can help - in our latest blog: www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/11/w...
Why we need a long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Alcohol harm is one of the biggest yet most overlooked public health challenges we face, with the impact felt not only in hospitals and clinics, but in our homes, workplaces, and local communities. Th...
www.ias.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Tobacco control showed what’s possible with a clear, long-term vision.
Now we need the same ambition to tackle alcohol harm.
Find out what we’re calling for - and how you can help - in our latest blog: www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/11/w...
Now we need the same ambition to tackle alcohol harm.
Find out what we’re calling for - and how you can help - in our latest blog: www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/11/w...
📢 New report out now: A Healthier Future: a long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK.
Developed by leading experts, it sets out a blueprint for halving risky drinking, reducing alcohol deaths, and expanding access to treatment.
Read now: www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
Developed by leading experts, it sets out a blueprint for halving risky drinking, reducing alcohol deaths, and expanding access to treatment.
Read now: www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Alcohol harm is a serious and growing concern in the UK, impacting people’s health and wellbeing, the NHS, social services, criminal justice, and our economy. These impacts are felt most by people on ...
www.ias.org.uk
November 10, 2025 at 9:24 AM
📢 New report out now: A Healthier Future: a long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK.
Developed by leading experts, it sets out a blueprint for halving risky drinking, reducing alcohol deaths, and expanding access to treatment.
Read now: www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
Developed by leading experts, it sets out a blueprint for halving risky drinking, reducing alcohol deaths, and expanding access to treatment.
Read now: www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
The EU Wine Package advances rapidly, with industry consulted but public health groups excluded, no health impact assessment, and no parliamentary debate.
Seven NGOs call for greater transparency.
euobserver.com/eu-political...
Seven NGOs call for greater transparency.
euobserver.com/eu-political...
Lack of transparency of EU's new wine proposals will cause a hangover
The EU Wine Package — a broad reform of the rules for how wine should be produced, marketed, and labelled across the EU — is moving forward with unusual speed and limited transparency.
euobserver.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:16 AM
The EU Wine Package advances rapidly, with industry consulted but public health groups excluded, no health impact assessment, and no parliamentary debate.
Seven NGOs call for greater transparency.
euobserver.com/eu-political...
Seven NGOs call for greater transparency.
euobserver.com/eu-political...
This is one of the major concerns regarding zero alcohol products: that they only benefit wealthier people because they're more expensive than standard alcohol.
Reducing alcohol deaths among the lowest socioeconomic groups has to be the priority, (🧵)
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Reducing alcohol deaths among the lowest socioeconomic groups has to be the priority, (🧵)
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Why are alcohol-free drinks so expensive? Some fake spirits cost over £25 a bottle!
In this new series, our money and consumer editor considers the often perplexing reasons items cost what they do. As a new report suggests booze-free booze can cost 25% more than the alcoholic equival...
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:11 AM
This is one of the major concerns regarding zero alcohol products: that they only benefit wealthier people because they're more expensive than standard alcohol.
Reducing alcohol deaths among the lowest socioeconomic groups has to be the priority, (🧵)
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Reducing alcohol deaths among the lowest socioeconomic groups has to be the priority, (🧵)
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Cheap supermarket alcohol is the biggest threat to pubs, according to publicans.
The government could raise off-trade duty above inflation while protecting pubs via draught duty relief.
That means healthier communities and stronger pubs.
Read our Budget submission ias.org.uk/wp-content/u...
The government could raise off-trade duty above inflation while protecting pubs via draught duty relief.
That means healthier communities and stronger pubs.
Read our Budget submission ias.org.uk/wp-content/u...
November 5, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Cheap supermarket alcohol is the biggest threat to pubs, according to publicans.
The government could raise off-trade duty above inflation while protecting pubs via draught duty relief.
That means healthier communities and stronger pubs.
Read our Budget submission ias.org.uk/wp-content/u...
The government could raise off-trade duty above inflation while protecting pubs via draught duty relief.
That means healthier communities and stronger pubs.
Read our Budget submission ias.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Many of the major public health crises we face today are driven by powerful corporations.
The extent and impact of harmful commercial influences need to be revealed and addressed.
📽️In this film, experts unmask the influence of harmful corporations🍿
vimeo.com/1131660477
The extent and impact of harmful commercial influences need to be revealed and addressed.
📽️In this film, experts unmask the influence of harmful corporations🍿
vimeo.com/1131660477
Unmasking Influence - Full Documentary Film
Unmasking influence is about how commercial actors influence policy and public health. Many of the major public health crises we face today are largely driven by…
vimeo.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Many of the major public health crises we face today are driven by powerful corporations.
The extent and impact of harmful commercial influences need to be revealed and addressed.
📽️In this film, experts unmask the influence of harmful corporations🍿
vimeo.com/1131660477
The extent and impact of harmful commercial influences need to be revealed and addressed.
📽️In this film, experts unmask the influence of harmful corporations🍿
vimeo.com/1131660477
Baroness Walmsley raises serious concerns in the @houseoflords.parliament.uk about the government’s alcohol licensing reforms - led by industry, with no health representation.
She calls out the plan to prioritise “growth” over health and local democracy.
hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-1...
She calls out the plan to prioritise “growth” over health and local democracy.
hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-1...
November 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Baroness Walmsley raises serious concerns in the @houseoflords.parliament.uk about the government’s alcohol licensing reforms - led by industry, with no health representation.
She calls out the plan to prioritise “growth” over health and local democracy.
hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-1...
She calls out the plan to prioritise “growth” over health and local democracy.
hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-1...
A Taskforce led by pub chains and night-time industry groups, excluding public health experts, is driving government licensing reforms.
Who really benefits? Communities, or corporate profit?
Read our position here: www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/04/d...
Who really benefits? Communities, or corporate profit?
Read our position here: www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/04/d...
Deregulating alcohol licensing: how the government’s proposals risk undermining public health and democracy - Institute of Alcohol Studies
In April 2025, the UK government launched a ‘Licensing Taskforce’ to review the Licensing Act (2003). On the surface, the review promised to “modernise” the system and “support growth” in the night-ti...
www.ias.org.uk
November 4, 2025 at 9:06 AM
A Taskforce led by pub chains and night-time industry groups, excluding public health experts, is driving government licensing reforms.
Who really benefits? Communities, or corporate profit?
Read our position here: www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/04/d...
Who really benefits? Communities, or corporate profit?
Read our position here: www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/04/d...
We’ve submitted our response to the government’s call for evidence on the Licensing Reforms Programme.
Public health should be front and centre – but this process has been rushed, shaped by the alcohol industry, and risks serious harm.
www.ias.org.uk/report/ias-r...
Public health should be front and centre – but this process has been rushed, shaped by the alcohol industry, and risks serious harm.
www.ias.org.uk/report/ias-r...
IAS response to Licensing Reforms Programme - Institute of Alcohol Studies
www.ias.org.uk
November 3, 2025 at 2:37 PM
We’ve submitted our response to the government’s call for evidence on the Licensing Reforms Programme.
Public health should be front and centre – but this process has been rushed, shaped by the alcohol industry, and risks serious harm.
www.ias.org.uk/report/ias-r...
Public health should be front and centre – but this process has been rushed, shaped by the alcohol industry, and risks serious harm.
www.ias.org.uk/report/ias-r...
Alcohol companies are using ‘zero-alcohol’ products to polish their image as responsible and health-conscious.
But new research finds their real goal isn’t reducing harm - it’s expanding markets and protecting brands.🧵
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
But new research finds their real goal isn’t reducing harm - it’s expanding markets and protecting brands.🧵
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
‘Zero-alcohol’ products and the guise of responsibility - Journal of Public Health Policy
Alcohol companies have expanded their presence in the ‘zero-alcohol’ market with intensive product development and marketing activities. This has been framed by industry as an effort to reduce or solv...
link.springer.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Alcohol companies are using ‘zero-alcohol’ products to polish their image as responsible and health-conscious.
But new research finds their real goal isn’t reducing harm - it’s expanding markets and protecting brands.🧵
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
But new research finds their real goal isn’t reducing harm - it’s expanding markets and protecting brands.🧵
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Which occupations have the highest drinking and potentially the poorest workplace productivity?
🎙️ On our latest podcast, Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social discussed the new @ippr.org/Alcohol Change UK report on alcohol's impact to our economy🎙️
Links to listen: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
🎙️ On our latest podcast, Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social discussed the new @ippr.org/Alcohol Change UK report on alcohol's impact to our economy🎙️
Links to listen: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
November 3, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Which occupations have the highest drinking and potentially the poorest workplace productivity?
🎙️ On our latest podcast, Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social discussed the new @ippr.org/Alcohol Change UK report on alcohol's impact to our economy🎙️
Links to listen: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
🎙️ On our latest podcast, Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social discussed the new @ippr.org/Alcohol Change UK report on alcohol's impact to our economy🎙️
Links to listen: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
Paramedics risk their lives to save others - but too often, they’re the ones getting hurt.
New research from @StirUni reveals ambulance staff face regular violence and harassment during alcohol-related callouts.
Interviews with Scottish... 🧵
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
New research from @StirUni reveals ambulance staff face regular violence and harassment during alcohol-related callouts.
Interviews with Scottish... 🧵
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The paramedic who wakes up wondering: 'Will I make it home tonight?'
Araf Saddiq has been assaulted five times, spat on and verbally abused on countless occasions.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Paramedics risk their lives to save others - but too often, they’re the ones getting hurt.
New research from @StirUni reveals ambulance staff face regular violence and harassment during alcohol-related callouts.
Interviews with Scottish... 🧵
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
New research from @StirUni reveals ambulance staff face regular violence and harassment during alcohol-related callouts.
Interviews with Scottish... 🧵
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Alcohol not only harms health but also our economy 📉
🎙️Listen to our latest podcast where we spoke to Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social about @ippr.org/Alcohol Change UK's new report on lost productivity due to alcohol🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
🎙️Listen to our latest podcast where we spoke to Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social about @ippr.org/Alcohol Change UK's new report on lost productivity due to alcohol🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
October 30, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Alcohol not only harms health but also our economy 📉
🎙️Listen to our latest podcast where we spoke to Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social about @ippr.org/Alcohol Change UK's new report on lost productivity due to alcohol🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
🎙️Listen to our latest podcast where we spoke to Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social about @ippr.org/Alcohol Change UK's new report on lost productivity due to alcohol🎙️
Links: www.ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
The Scotch Whisky Association is demanding that the government cuts alcohol duty, with dubious research suggesting tax rises damage the public purse.
Meanwhile, they’re selling billions of pounds of spirits and watching people die from alcohol harm. (🧵)
harpers.co.uk/news/fullsto...
Meanwhile, they’re selling billions of pounds of spirits and watching people die from alcohol harm. (🧵)
harpers.co.uk/news/fullsto...
SWA research suggests alcohol duties are damaging the public purse - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News
New research from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has found that in the year to August...
harpers.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 10:49 AM
The Scotch Whisky Association is demanding that the government cuts alcohol duty, with dubious research suggesting tax rises damage the public purse.
Meanwhile, they’re selling billions of pounds of spirits and watching people die from alcohol harm. (🧵)
harpers.co.uk/news/fullsto...
Meanwhile, they’re selling billions of pounds of spirits and watching people die from alcohol harm. (🧵)
harpers.co.uk/news/fullsto...
A striking lack of understanding of the licensing system lies at the heart of the government’s proposed reforms.
They claim to focus on pubs and restaurants, with “negligible” impact on shops and online delivery - but weakening local powers, removing conditions, and extending...
They claim to focus on pubs and restaurants, with “negligible” impact on shops and online delivery - but weakening local powers, removing conditions, and extending...
October 28, 2025 at 12:07 PM
A striking lack of understanding of the licensing system lies at the heart of the government’s proposed reforms.
They claim to focus on pubs and restaurants, with “negligible” impact on shops and online delivery - but weakening local powers, removing conditions, and extending...
They claim to focus on pubs and restaurants, with “negligible” impact on shops and online delivery - but weakening local powers, removing conditions, and extending...
The only time in recent history that the alcohol death rate was consistently falling was during the ‘duty escalator’.
This is no coincidence.
Raising duty rates above inflation would be the best way to save lives quickly.
Read our Budget submission: www.ias.org.uk/wp-content/u...
This is no coincidence.
Raising duty rates above inflation would be the best way to save lives quickly.
Read our Budget submission: www.ias.org.uk/wp-content/u...
October 28, 2025 at 9:05 AM
The only time in recent history that the alcohol death rate was consistently falling was during the ‘duty escalator’.
This is no coincidence.
Raising duty rates above inflation would be the best way to save lives quickly.
Read our Budget submission: www.ias.org.uk/wp-content/u...
This is no coincidence.
Raising duty rates above inflation would be the best way to save lives quickly.
Read our Budget submission: www.ias.org.uk/wp-content/u...
A new @addictionjournal.bsky.social commentary warns of regulatory capture in UK alcohol licensing
The ‘Licensing Taskforce’ - led by industry figures - could weaken democratic accountability & redefine licensing as business promotion, not public protection
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The ‘Licensing Taskforce’ - led by industry figures - could weaken democratic accountability & redefine licensing as business promotion, not public protection
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Regulatory capture in UK alcohol licensing policy: The 2025 ‘licensing taskforce’ report
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:03 PM
A new @addictionjournal.bsky.social commentary warns of regulatory capture in UK alcohol licensing
The ‘Licensing Taskforce’ - led by industry figures - could weaken democratic accountability & redefine licensing as business promotion, not public protection
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The ‘Licensing Taskforce’ - led by industry figures - could weaken democratic accountability & redefine licensing as business promotion, not public protection
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...