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/
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...
The UK government has confirmed that alcohol duty rates will be increased in line with inflation, staying the same in real terms.
We welcome this decision.
Our statement:
We welcome this decision.
Our statement:
November 26, 2025 at 1:33 PM
The UK government has confirmed that alcohol duty rates will be increased in line with inflation, staying the same in real terms.
We welcome this decision.
Our statement:
We welcome this decision.
Our statement:
A @local.gov.uk blog says that proposed licensing reforms "risk marginalising" the voices of councillors, police, licensing officers & directors of public health, "replacing local discretion with a more centralised, industry-led approach".
This is particularly...
www.local.gov.uk/topics/cultu...
This is particularly...
www.local.gov.uk/topics/cultu...
Alcohol licensing reform: protecting health and community safety
The Government’s fast-track review of the Alcohol Licensing Act 2003 has reopened a critical debate: who should decide how alcohol is sold and consumed in our communities? While proposals promise to “...
www.local.gov.uk
November 26, 2025 at 11:31 AM
A @local.gov.uk blog says that proposed licensing reforms "risk marginalising" the voices of councillors, police, licensing officers & directors of public health, "replacing local discretion with a more centralised, industry-led approach".
This is particularly...
www.local.gov.uk/topics/cultu...
This is particularly...
www.local.gov.uk/topics/cultu...
"Keeping alcohol duty in line with the Retail Prices Index is the long-established norm. It is only because successive governments have repeatedly cut or frozen duty that the industry has come to treat these tax giveaways as the default."
- Prof Sir Ian Gilmore
www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2025...
- Prof Sir Ian Gilmore
www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2025...
November 26, 2025 at 9:22 AM
"Keeping alcohol duty in line with the Retail Prices Index is the long-established norm. It is only because successive governments have repeatedly cut or frozen duty that the industry has come to treat these tax giveaways as the default."
- Prof Sir Ian Gilmore
www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2025...
- Prof Sir Ian Gilmore
www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2025...
Zero-alcohol drinks: moderation tool or marketing Trojan horse?
Our latest blog unpacks how alcohol companies publicly praise 0% products as “responsible” while privately celebrating them as a way to grow the market and reach new audiences.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/26/z...
Our latest blog unpacks how alcohol companies publicly praise 0% products as “responsible” while privately celebrating them as a way to grow the market and reach new audiences.
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
November 26, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Zero-alcohol drinks: moderation tool or marketing Trojan horse?
Our latest blog unpacks how alcohol companies publicly praise 0% products as “responsible” while privately celebrating them as a way to grow the market and reach new audiences.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/26/z...
Our latest blog unpacks how alcohol companies publicly praise 0% products as “responsible” while privately celebrating them as a way to grow the market and reach new audiences.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/26/z...
Today is the Budget.
We know that increasing alcohol duty rates would reduce alcohol consumption and save lives, but what would it do to the economy?
Research suggests it would be a triple win for government.
@dantomlinson.bsky.social
We know that increasing alcohol duty rates would reduce alcohol consumption and save lives, but what would it do to the economy?
Research suggests it would be a triple win for government.
@dantomlinson.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Today is the Budget.
We know that increasing alcohol duty rates would reduce alcohol consumption and save lives, but what would it do to the economy?
Research suggests it would be a triple win for government.
@dantomlinson.bsky.social
We know that increasing alcohol duty rates would reduce alcohol consumption and save lives, but what would it do to the economy?
Research suggests it would be a triple win for government.
@dantomlinson.bsky.social
"Voluntary action here has achieved nothing. But since it rolled out in 2018, the sugar levy has led industry to remove tens of thousands of tonnes of sugar from soft drinks.
"This is precisely the time for government to go further and faster."
- Eddie Crouch British Dental Association
"This is precisely the time for government to go further and faster."
- Eddie Crouch British Dental Association
🔥 Hot Off the Press - Soft Drinks Industry Levy to be Expanded to Protect Children and Boost Nation’s Health 🔥
The levy will now cover sugary milk-based drinks and lowers the sugar threshold from 5g to 4.5g per 100ml.
Read the press release here ➡️ www.gov.uk/government/n...
The levy will now cover sugary milk-based drinks and lowers the sugar threshold from 5g to 4.5g per 100ml.
Read the press release here ➡️ www.gov.uk/government/n...
Soft drink levy extended to protect children and improve health
The government has announced an extension of the soft drinks industry levy to more high-sugar drinks, including milk-based drinks.
www.gov.uk
November 25, 2025 at 4:38 PM
"Voluntary action here has achieved nothing. But since it rolled out in 2018, the sugar levy has led industry to remove tens of thousands of tonnes of sugar from soft drinks.
"This is precisely the time for government to go further and faster."
- Eddie Crouch British Dental Association
"This is precisely the time for government to go further and faster."
- Eddie Crouch British Dental Association
📢 This #AddictionAwarenessWeek, we’re sharing our new report 'Barriers to Recovery'.
It explores the obstacles people face when seeking alcohol recovery and how we can overcome them.
Read more: www.ias.org.uk/report/barri...
#LetsTalkAddiction
It explores the obstacles people face when seeking alcohol recovery and how we can overcome them.
Read more: www.ias.org.uk/report/barri...
#LetsTalkAddiction
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 25, 2025 at 10:03 AM
📢 This #AddictionAwarenessWeek, we’re sharing our new report 'Barriers to Recovery'.
It explores the obstacles people face when seeking alcohol recovery and how we can overcome them.
Read more: www.ias.org.uk/report/barri...
#LetsTalkAddiction
It explores the obstacles people face when seeking alcohol recovery and how we can overcome them.
Read more: www.ias.org.uk/report/barri...
#LetsTalkAddiction
The only time in recent history when the death rate from alcohol consistently fell was during New Labour's 'duty escalator'.
Listen to our latest podcast to hear about alcohol's impact on productivity, with Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco... @alcoholchangeuk.bsky.social
Listen to our latest podcast to hear about alcohol's impact on productivity, with Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco... @alcoholchangeuk.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM
The only time in recent history when the death rate from alcohol consistently fell was during New Labour's 'duty escalator'.
Listen to our latest podcast to hear about alcohol's impact on productivity, with Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco... @alcoholchangeuk.bsky.social
Listen to our latest podcast to hear about alcohol's impact on productivity, with Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco... @alcoholchangeuk.bsky.social
58% of adults said it is “socially unacceptable” to drive after drinking, even if within the current legal limits, a survey by Direct Line has found.
Direct Line’s head of motor insurance, Matt Pernet, said: “It’s encouraging, but there are still too...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11...
Direct Line’s head of motor insurance, Matt Pernet, said: “It’s encouraging, but there are still too...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11...
Access Restricted
www.telegraph.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 10:48 AM
58% of adults said it is “socially unacceptable” to drive after drinking, even if within the current legal limits, a survey by Direct Line has found.
Direct Line’s head of motor insurance, Matt Pernet, said: “It’s encouraging, but there are still too...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11...
Direct Line’s head of motor insurance, Matt Pernet, said: “It’s encouraging, but there are still too...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11...
If you care about pubs, reducing alcohol harm, or the Autumn Budget debate, this is a must-read.
A clear, accessible chat with Prof Colin Angus about pub closures, supermarket affordability, duty freezes, cider exceptionalism, and the case for MUP.
whatareyouon.substack.com/p/britain-bl...
A clear, accessible chat with Prof Colin Angus about pub closures, supermarket affordability, duty freezes, cider exceptionalism, and the case for MUP.
whatareyouon.substack.com/p/britain-bl...
Britain bleeds cheap Booze
As the Budget looms, here's the true cost of our drinking habit
whatareyouon.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:21 AM
If you care about pubs, reducing alcohol harm, or the Autumn Budget debate, this is a must-read.
A clear, accessible chat with Prof Colin Angus about pub closures, supermarket affordability, duty freezes, cider exceptionalism, and the case for MUP.
whatareyouon.substack.com/p/britain-bl...
A clear, accessible chat with Prof Colin Angus about pub closures, supermarket affordability, duty freezes, cider exceptionalism, and the case for MUP.
whatareyouon.substack.com/p/britain-bl...
Northern Ireland commissioned a detailed licensing review that took two years, gathered evidence, and set out sensible recommendations to modernise the system. It was rejected because it might “damage hospitality”.
Meanwhile in England & Wales, ministers let the industry draft..
Meanwhile in England & Wales, ministers let the industry draft..
November 20, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Northern Ireland commissioned a detailed licensing review that took two years, gathered evidence, and set out sensible recommendations to modernise the system. It was rejected because it might “damage hospitality”.
Meanwhile in England & Wales, ministers let the industry draft..
Meanwhile in England & Wales, ministers let the industry draft..
The Men's Health Strategy published yesterday "falls far short of addressing the key drivers of alcohol harm impacting men", says the @aha-uk.bsky.social.
Although there is clear recognition of alcohol harm in the document, none of the main prevention policies feature...
ahauk.org/news/aha-res...
Although there is clear recognition of alcohol harm in the document, none of the main prevention policies feature...
ahauk.org/news/aha-res...
AHA responds to Men's Health Strategy - Alcohol Health Alliance
Today on International Men’s Day the UK Government launched a new Men’s Health Strategy for England. While alcohol is acknowledged as an important factor impacting men’s health, the strategy doesn’t g...
ahauk.org
November 20, 2025 at 11:15 AM
The Men's Health Strategy published yesterday "falls far short of addressing the key drivers of alcohol harm impacting men", says the @aha-uk.bsky.social.
Although there is clear recognition of alcohol harm in the document, none of the main prevention policies feature...
ahauk.org/news/aha-res...
Although there is clear recognition of alcohol harm in the document, none of the main prevention policies feature...
ahauk.org/news/aha-res...
It’s no mystery why the alcohol industry opposes duty rises - it hits their bottom line.
But when cancer charities, doctors, and liver specialists all say higher duty saves lives, ministers should ask: who has the public interest at heart?
@dantomlinson.bsky.social
But when cancer charities, doctors, and liver specialists all say higher duty saves lives, ministers should ask: who has the public interest at heart?
@dantomlinson.bsky.social
November 20, 2025 at 9:13 AM
It’s no mystery why the alcohol industry opposes duty rises - it hits their bottom line.
But when cancer charities, doctors, and liver specialists all say higher duty saves lives, ministers should ask: who has the public interest at heart?
@dantomlinson.bsky.social
But when cancer charities, doctors, and liver specialists all say higher duty saves lives, ministers should ask: who has the public interest at heart?
@dantomlinson.bsky.social
A mission-driven government needs mission-driven health policy.
Reducing alcohol harm isn’t just a health issue - it’s key to economic growth, safer communities, and an NHS fit for the future.
'A Healthier Future' is a blueprint for precisely that:
Reducing alcohol harm isn’t just a health issue - it’s key to economic growth, safer communities, and an NHS fit for the future.
'A Healthier Future' is a blueprint for precisely that:
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 19, 2025 at 2:39 PM
A mission-driven government needs mission-driven health policy.
Reducing alcohol harm isn’t just a health issue - it’s key to economic growth, safer communities, and an NHS fit for the future.
'A Healthier Future' is a blueprint for precisely that:
Reducing alcohol harm isn’t just a health issue - it’s key to economic growth, safer communities, and an NHS fit for the future.
'A Healthier Future' is a blueprint for precisely that:
Three in four employees think employers have a responsibility to reduce alcohol-related harm.
Find out more about alcohol's negative impact on the UK's economic productivity by listening to our latest podcast: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
Find out more about alcohol's negative impact on the UK's economic productivity by listening to our latest podcast: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
November 18, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Three in four employees think employers have a responsibility to reduce alcohol-related harm.
Find out more about alcohol's negative impact on the UK's economic productivity by listening to our latest podcast: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
Find out more about alcohol's negative impact on the UK's economic productivity by listening to our latest podcast: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco...
Got a spare 3 minutes?
This short film introduces 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK' - a new expert-led blueprint setting out how government can reduce alcohol deaths and support those in need of treatment.
This short film introduces 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK' - a new expert-led blueprint setting out how government can reduce alcohol deaths and support those in need of treatment.
A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK: Explained
Alcohol harm is one of the UK’s most urgent public health challenges — driving rising deaths, deepening health inequalities, and placing huge strain on our NHS, social care and economy. Yet well over…
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Got a spare 3 minutes?
This short film introduces 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK' - a new expert-led blueprint setting out how government can reduce alcohol deaths and support those in need of treatment.
This short film introduces 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK' - a new expert-led blueprint setting out how government can reduce alcohol deaths and support those in need of treatment.
Industry-funded alcohol websites still mislead on pregnancy and infant health.
Even after independent scrutiny, misinformation, omissions, and confusing guidance persist - putting public health at risk.
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Even after independent scrutiny, misinformation, omissions, and confusing guidance persist - putting public health at risk.
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Do alcohol industry-funded organisations act to correct misinformation? A qualitative study of pregnancy and infant health content following independent analysis - Globalization and Health
Background Access to reliable, accurate, and up-to-date health information is a crucial component of global population health. Like other health-harming industries, the alcohol industry is known to pr...
link.springer.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Industry-funded alcohol websites still mislead on pregnancy and infant health.
Even after independent scrutiny, misinformation, omissions, and confusing guidance persist - putting public health at risk.
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Even after independent scrutiny, misinformation, omissions, and confusing guidance persist - putting public health at risk.
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
In yesterday’s House of Lords debate on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, Lord Lansley argued that government should partner with the vaping industry to co-regulate.
Lansley suggested this could mirror the 'success' of partnering with the alcohol industry 🧵
hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-1...
Lansley suggested this could mirror the 'success' of partnering with the alcohol industry 🧵
hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-1...
Tobacco and Vapes Bill - Hansard - UK Parliament
Hansard record of the item : 'Tobacco and Vapes Bill' on Thursday 13 November 2025.
hansard.parliament.uk
November 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM
In yesterday’s House of Lords debate on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, Lord Lansley argued that government should partner with the vaping industry to co-regulate.
Lansley suggested this could mirror the 'success' of partnering with the alcohol industry 🧵
hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-1...
Lansley suggested this could mirror the 'success' of partnering with the alcohol industry 🧵
hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2025-1...
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...