Binge drinking
March 2005
BMA ARM policy
That this Meeting believes that because of the damaging effect alcohol has on the health of our society and the rising levels of binge drinking among the young that the government should legislate a ban on the advertising of alcohol as it has for cigarettes (2003)
That this Meeting is concerned about the proliferation of sweetened, flavoured spirits sold in pre-dispensed shot glasses (2002)
That the BMA should work to ensure that alcoholic drinks should not be advertised in cinemas, unless shown with a film having an “18" certificate (1999).
That this Meeting calls for tough action to protect children from the dangers of alcohol (1999).
That this Meeting is concerned that unacceptable levels of alcohol is present in some of the drinks which are aimed at the teenage market and believes that the deliberate targeting of this group by purveyors of alcohol should be made illegal (1997).
That this Meeting notes with approval the consensus statement of the Medical Royal Colleges, produced at a meeting at the Royal College of Psychiatrists on 6 November 1987, entitled A Better Response to Alcohol-Related Problems and
- endorses it as BMA policy, and
- calls upon Government to implement the steps outlined as a matter of urgency (1988).
(1986).
That the specific gravity of draught ales and beers should be declared, and indicated on the pump in all retail outlets (1985).
In addition to policy related to binge drinking, the BMA has campaigned on a number of topics related to other patterns of alcohol consumption. It has, for example, called on the government to amend the Road Safety Bill to lower the permitted level of alcohol in the blood for driving from 80mg to 50mg per 100ml. Read more on the Road Safety Bill.