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In this issue: UK cuts taxes fuelling alcohol harm; Japan lays out draft guidelines; Ghanaian civil society supports celeb ad ban; Ireland’s 9pm ad ban begins 2025
UK cuts tax fuelling surge in alcohol harm: The UK government this week made another real terms cut in alcohol tax, despite surging alcohol harm, with alcohol deaths last year 27% above pre-pandemic levels in 2021. It is “utterly frustrating news”, said Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the UK Alcohol Health Alliance. An early tip-off of the decision to the Sun tabloid and alcohol industry meant almost no criticism was heard.
Japan lays out draft guidelines: Japan set out a draft for its first low risk alcohol guidelines of 50ml a day for men and 225ml for women. They also say, “It is important to keep alcohol intake as low as possible.” The UK guidelines are 20ml a day for both men and women. More research is needed on risk acceptability, said a new commentary.
Ghanaian civil society supports celeb ad ban: Civil society actors in Ghana support the Food and Drugs Authority’s position to ban alcohol advertisements by celebrities which is currently being challenged in court.
Ireland’s 9pm ad ban begins 2025: A ban on alcohol ads appearing on TV in Ireland before 9pm will come into effect on January 10th 2025, the Department of Health said.