WSTA slams research

Published: 07 May, 2009

The wine trade's main representative body has criticised the findings of a research study that raises fears about alcohol consumption in several sections of society.

A Joseph Rowntree Foundation study has revealed as one of its findings an increase in alcohol consumption to 9.8 units per week amongst 45 to 64 year-olds looking after elderly relatives.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has been quick to point out that the unit count is less than an average bottle of wine.

Jeremy Beadles, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said:"There is a real risk that a proper concern about alcohol misuse by a minority is translating into an obsession about the drinking habits of millions of perfectly normal people drinking well within the government's guidelines.

"It's worth noting that this report shows that alcohol consumption by men has been falling since 2000, particularly amongst 16 to 24 year olds, yet the number of women regularly drinking excessively doubled from 1998 to 2006. Perhaps we should be using these figures to focus on those who misuse alcohol, rather than those who don't."

Northern Ireland's Department of Health has also questioned some of the findings in the independent social research charity's report.

It suggests that the Northern Irish Peace Process may have contributed to higher levels of binge drinking.

"The peace process has led to increased investment, employment, urbanisation, improved financial status and independence among the population and among young people generally," according to the study.

"The social and economic emancipation, when set against a historic low baseline of alcohol use because of religious and cultural norms, may have led to increases in alcohol drinking over recent years towards the levels in the rest of the UK."

Printer friendly version