MP's Launch 'Healthier Drink Campaign'

2.29.47pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 13th Nov 2006

Bath's MP, Don Foster and Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary for Heath Steve Webb MP have today launched the Bath Liberal Democrats 'Healthier Drinking Campaign' at the Green Park Brasserie. The number of alcohol related deaths has doubled from 4,000 to more than 8,000 since 1991, according to the Office of National Statistics.

The Government advises that men should only drink three to four units and women two to three units of alcohol a day. Drinking in excess of this carries many health risks, yet many people do. Added to this is the risk of having your drink spiked which has been on the increase in recent years. That is why the Bath Liberal Democrats are launching this new campaign to help raise the awareness of these problems and promote alternatives to drinking.

The campaign centres around five key points:

1. Drink spiking - Having your drink spiked can put you in harms way often without remembering what happened. It is important people are aware that this is taking place and what can be done to avoid it.

2. Free tap water - Encouraging licensed premises to provide tap water free of charge upon request.

3. Promotions on soft drinks - Alcoholic drinks are often on promotion, encouraging higher consumption. Soft drinks should also be included in promotions, to provide a financial incentive not to drink alcoholic drinks.

4. Increasing awareness of unit measures - It is very difficult to judge how many units a drink contains. Therefore units need to be clearly displayed and not just on the bottles but on walls as many drinks are not bought with the bottle.

5. Getting home safely - Drink driving is still a big problem within the UK. Last year 3,000 people on average were killed or seriously injured in drink drive accidents. Drink driving isn't worth the risk as there are many other alternatives to get home.

Commenting on the launch Don said:

"I fully support this new campaign we are launching here today.

"Everybody is entitled to have a drink when they want to, but it is important to raise awareness of the health issues associated with excessive drinking.

"The five points the campaign focuses on are important areas to promote and I encourage drinkers and licensed premises to act upon them."

Speaking about the launch Steve said:

"It has been a delight to be here today to launch this campaign.

"The Government has failed miserably to tackle the problem of alcohol abuse, meaning it is all the more important for campaigns like this to take place.

"I wish this campaign every success to increase the awareness of excessive drinking and helping people to look after themselves when they do go out for a drink."

Also whilst in Bath Steve Webb MP went to on a tour of the Carrswood care home and day centre currently being developed at Cleeve Green in Twerton. The £9m project is scheduled to be completed in the early part of 2007.

Talking about the project during his tour Steve said:

"As Shadow Secretary for Health it is always interesting to visit projects that are being developed around the country.

"The Carrswood project here in Bath is particularly interesting due to its focus on the person. Having a colour coding system to help residents find their way around is a great idea.

"Once completed I'm sure it will be a fantastic place and people can feel confident members of their family will be well looked after in a place that breaks away from traditional care homes."