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15/02/2010
Booze Label Warning On Way?
A public consultation exercise on proposed labelling of alcohol, launched by the Department of Health in London, has been extended to Northern Ireland.
The consultation addresses how best to take forward action to better inform consumers about the number of units in alcoholic drinks, recommended alcohol intake, and guidance on alcohol and pregnancy.
Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: "It has been estimated that alcohol misuse costs Northern Ireland around £800million each and every year. However, no cost could bring home the real impact alcohol misuse has on individuals, families, and communities right across Northern Ireland.
"My Department recently led a cross-departmental action plan that seeks to reduce the level of young people's alcohol-related harm by addressing issues relating to education and prevention, treatment and support; and accessibility and availability.
"During the development of the action plan, a key issue was how to better inform the public about units and the recommended alcohol intake.
"The document contained an action to work with the other jurisdictions, and lobby for strengthening of the current agreements on labelling and advertising," he said.
The Minister added: "I have been working with colleagues across the UK to see what further action can be taken, particularly in relation to labelling, and we have agreed to take forward a UK wide consultation on this issue.
"I believe that ensuring that the majority of alcohol containers have information on unit content, recommended intake guidelines, and information on alcohol and pregnancy would be a positive step forward, and help to better educate and inform consumers."
(BMcC/GK)
The consultation addresses how best to take forward action to better inform consumers about the number of units in alcoholic drinks, recommended alcohol intake, and guidance on alcohol and pregnancy.
Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: "It has been estimated that alcohol misuse costs Northern Ireland around £800million each and every year. However, no cost could bring home the real impact alcohol misuse has on individuals, families, and communities right across Northern Ireland.
"My Department recently led a cross-departmental action plan that seeks to reduce the level of young people's alcohol-related harm by addressing issues relating to education and prevention, treatment and support; and accessibility and availability.
"During the development of the action plan, a key issue was how to better inform the public about units and the recommended alcohol intake.
"The document contained an action to work with the other jurisdictions, and lobby for strengthening of the current agreements on labelling and advertising," he said.
The Minister added: "I have been working with colleagues across the UK to see what further action can be taken, particularly in relation to labelling, and we have agreed to take forward a UK wide consultation on this issue.
"I believe that ensuring that the majority of alcohol containers have information on unit content, recommended intake guidelines, and information on alcohol and pregnancy would be a positive step forward, and help to better educate and inform consumers."
(BMcC/GK)
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The Big Lottery Fund has announced a new multi-million funding package to tackle the problem of alcohol misuse across Northern Ireland. £3,605,696 of grants from the Impact of Alcohol programme will be delivered to Northern Ireland by four organisations.
21 May 2019
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The number of people receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse in Northern Ireland has grown, a recent census has shown. Some 6,743 people were in active treatment in April 2019, for either drug or alcohol abuse or both. This represents a rise in clients from 5,969 in the 2017 census.
Rise In Uptake Of Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services
The number of people receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse in Northern Ireland has grown, a recent census has shown. Some 6,743 people were in active treatment in April 2019, for either drug or alcohol abuse or both. This represents a rise in clients from 5,969 in the 2017 census.
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Guidance Issued For Alcohol Awareness Week
Drinkers in Northern Ireland are being urged to take a closer look at their habits this Alcohol Awareness Week, 17-23 June. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Northern Ireland's five Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (DACTs) are asking people to take stock, give themselves an "alcohol MOT" and be aware of the 14 unit per week limit.
Guidance Issued For Alcohol Awareness Week
Drinkers in Northern Ireland are being urged to take a closer look at their habits this Alcohol Awareness Week, 17-23 June. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Northern Ireland's five Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (DACTs) are asking people to take stock, give themselves an "alcohol MOT" and be aware of the 14 unit per week limit.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
