Alcohol Focus Scotland

We're delighted that First Minister @JohnSwinney has pledged his support to our Alcohol-Free Childhood campaign ✍️ The campaign aims to ensure that children and young people grow up free from the harmful effects of #AlcoholMarketing Read more 🔽 alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/alco…

"We Were Expected To Drink..." | Listen UP Episode 8 - John Elford - Listen Now! John Elford explains how to overcome societal pressure - and what actually moves you forward in recovery. In Listen UP Episode 8. EPISODE 8 - LISTEN NOW - lk2.app/luep8 #recoveryjourney #addictionrecovery #listenuppodcast

Diageo's new boss "plans to invest heavily in the fast-growing 'ready-to-drink' beverages category, in a bid to attract younger drinkers to Diageo’s brands", according to the FT. ft.com/content/5a3fe1…

How can countries tackle #NCDs more effectively in the WHO European Region? The WHO/Europe Nice Summer School 2026 will explore how systems thinking can help policymakers, health experts and researchers to design more coherent policies. bit.ly/4wXBZN2

Does the public punish intoxicated offenders more harshly? In our latest blog by Dr Carly Lightowlers, new YouGov data shows intoxication - not dependence - drives calls for tougher punishment. Engaging in treatment, meanwhile, softens judgement. ias.org.uk/2026/07/21/alc…

"Football is one of the few global events watched by entire families, meaning children are exposed to alcohol branding from an early age simply by watching matches with parents and siblings." theconversation.com/the-2026-world… @MareeToddMSP

"The strong links between sport and alcohol predate the rise of global alcohol producers, but the alcohol industry has been quick to build on the historic associations between masculinity, success, peer bonding, and alcohol consumption." bmj.com/content/394/bm…

...would help close that gap. And Emma McClarkin of the BBPA's claim that MUP has had "little effect on drinking patterns" is simply untrue. Public Health Scotland's evaluation found MUP cut alcohol deaths by an estimated 13.4% and hospital admissions by 4.1%, concentrated...

This @GordonRayner piece in the @Telegraph gets everything backwards: it frames minimum pricing as a threat to pubs, when it's actually one of the best things that could happen to them. When on- and off-trade alcohol prices are ever widening, MUP... telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/…

One week left. The MIST National Officer (Experiential Team) role closes 27 July at 9am. Unique opportunity to amplify lived experience across Scotland's MAT Standards work. Apply: scottishrecoveryconsortium.org/mist-national-… #ScottishRecovery

In her latest 'In Focus CEO Blog', Carolyn reflects on her recent trip to Ireland and how Scotland can and should draw lessons on preventing and reducing alcohol harm from our friends across the water. alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/in-f…

The UK government has stated that it will not mandate 'alcohol interlock installation facilitation' technology in vehicles, following a consultation where 56% of respondents said it shouldn't be mandated. We believe this is a missed opportunity that... #government-response" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">gov.uk/government/con…

People often assume that if a substance is legal, common and widely socially accepted, as well as encouraged, then it must also be safe. But public health history suggests those assumptions can and should change. theconversation.com/alcohol-is-one…

We're proud to introduce Liver UK – the new name the British Liver Trust and Children's Liver Disease Foundation. We're here to unite the liver community so that everyone, of all ages, gets the care, support and hope they need. More: liveruk.org/a-new-chapter-…

"Newer evidence challenges assumptions about what was long considered “safe drinking.” Even moderate drinking carries risk and is not as harmless as people, including experts, once thought." theconversation.com/alcohol-is-one…

The substantial increase in #AlcoholDeaths isn't only due to the Covid pandemic. Ever increasing availability of alcohol and changes to licensing laws over 60 years have also played a part - including the Wild West of #HomeDelivery Scotland needs alcohol licensing reform.

"Are we asking what's wrong with the person or what's wrong with the system?" Stigma isn't just "out there", it can be baked into policies, language & processes inside the very organisations trying to tackle it Our latest blog on the Stigma-Free Toolkit ias.org.uk/2026/07/14/sti…

Last chance to apply! ⏰ We are looking for a creative, energetic and experienced Business Development Manager. Deadline is 9am tomorrow. Apply below 🔽 alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/about-vacancie…

"You might think that putting on a coat and walking to the shops would be no real impediment to an alcoholic, but for “borderline” problem drinkers – which is what I was before I realised I could have alcohol delivered to my door at any time of day... telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/1…

Checking our drinking is normal. We regularly check our eyesight, teeth and blood pressure - why not our drinking? This #AlcoholAwarenessWeek take the @AlcoholChangeUK quiz for a clearer picture of your drinking patterns and any potential risks: alcoholchange.org.uk/check-your-dri…

Great to see intention to take action to protect children from this kind of harmful tobacco product marketing. However, Governments across the UK should be showing the same intent to protect children from harmful #AlcoholMarketing independent.co.uk/news/health/va…