Tories plan to overhaul alcohol labelling

The Tories have today launched a green paper – A Healthier Nation – that outlines the party’s plan to deal with public health and tackle problems such as obesity, drug use, teenage pregnancy and binge drinking.

The paper has been published a week after the government called for clearer labelling in its food strategy.

The Tories said the units system for alcohol was confusing and called for the adoption of centilitres of pure alcohol as a measurement.

A voluntary agreement with the drinks industry would also involve more information, such as calorie content, being shown on packs.

Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said: “We will introduce a clearer system of alcohol labelling that allows people to compare the amount they drink with other people.”

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association welcomed the focus on individual responsibility for alcohol consumption.

Chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: “We believe that policies to address alcohol misuse are most likely to succeed if they focus on problem drinkers rather than particular products.

“Evidence from other countries suggests that higher taxes and prices for certain drinks do not change the behaviour of those who misuse alcohol.”

The manifesto also includes mandating the display of “guideline daily amount” information on food packaging, encouraging restaurants to publish more dietary information and measures to curb binge-drinking such as a tax on super strength drinks.

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