Stunell calls for health warnings on alcoholic drinks

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 11th May 2004

"All alcoholic drinks should come with a cigarette-style health warning", said local MP, Andrew Stunell today.

Mr Stunell is backing calls by the Salvation Army urging the Government to introduce legislation requiring the drinks industry to put health warnings on products and advertisements, and contribute to the cost of prevention and treatment.

Andrew Stunell said:

"The drinks industry must take more responsibility for the harm alcohol causes. Stockport Community Alcohol Team fights an up hill battle with hidden hundreds in our community who find themselves unable to control their drinking.

"Alcohol costs Stockport NHS over £14 million a year, but only £5,000 of that is spent on treatment and prevention. The drinks industry however, spends £100,000 a year in Stockport alone.

"I believe a little of that money should go towards clearing up the damage alcohol leaves behind.

"I wish the Government success with its National Alcohol Reduction Strategy. But I do not believe words are enough. The Government should act now to ensure the drinks industry behaves responsibly." ENDS