Archive for September, 2009

  • Drink Free September

    02.09.2009 / Category: News

    The Department of Health has urged English drinkers to take a break in September and abstain for the month.

    This is a direct reaction to recent research conducted by the ‘Know Your Limits’ campaign, which has shown that around 25% of holiday makers drink are likely to drink over 3 times their normal amount while they are away soaking up the summer sun. The same survey revealed that while most people do indeed plan to drink less this month, one of the major factors is actually the economic situation rather than a desire to improve health.

    Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said ;
    “It’s all too easy to slip into the habit of drinking too much on holiday, and it’s always hard to get back into a normal routine. But we should try to use September as the new January and make a pledge to be a little more healthy.”

    “Sticking within the NHS’s recommended daily limits means you reduce your risk of serious conditions such as liver disease, cancer and stroke.”

    The NHS currently recommend no more than 3 or 4 units per day for men, and no more than 2 or 3 units per day for women. Pregnant women are advised to not drink at all either during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.

  • Scottish Fiasco Update

    01.09.2009 / Category: News

    On the day that the much talked about licensing law changes came into effect in Scotland, at least 35 public houses have been forced to keep their doors closed.

    While some of these venues arguably have themselves to blame for submitting licence applications late (or not at all), a large proportion have simply been victims of local authority delays in application processing.

    In North Lanarkshire 25 pubs were closed today, and it was revealed that zero licenses have been issued in this area. Frankie O’Connor, husband to the licensee of The Clock Bar in Coatbridge told the Scottish Herald ;

    “My business is now closing through no fault whatsoever of my own. I submitted my application last October, paid around £5,000 for the privilege of selling alcohol after today but am now being told I’ll have to close until they get around to processing my application.”

    Problems with the introduction of these measures were widely anticipated, but after local councils promised a ‘common sense’ approach it was hoped the issues we are seeing now would not arise in such large numbers. What are essentially much needed changes for all the right reasons have been cast under a dark shadow which is a huge shame.

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