Tackling harmful drinking was the focus of an event at Holyrood last week, sponsored by Emma Roddick, MSP for Highlands and Islands.
MSPs and other stakeholders, the third sector, Police Scotland and representatives from the drinks industry, were given the chance to see for themselves the work supported by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership (SAIP) and delivered across the country to tackle harm and promote an increasingly moderate and responsible approach to alcohol.
Several of the organisations that the SAIP and its members work with were represented at the event, including Drinkaware, Community Alcohol Partnerships, Best Bar None and the Portman Group.
Emma Roddick, MSP for Highlands and Islandssaid: “ It was fantastic to get the opportunity to host the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership at Holyrood, bringing industry and partners together to tackle harmful drinking.
“Scotland has a complicated relationship with alcohol, and it’s important that we prevent its misuse and the damage that can be done by drinking too much, while recognising the importance of alcohol culturally, socially, and economically.
“As a Highlands and Islands MSP, I know how important whisky is locally, and we need to empower people to enjoy that without it negatively impacting their health and relationships.
“Alcohol-related hospital stays are on the decline, and last year saw a welcome decrease in alcohol deaths, but effort is needed to make sure that trajectory continues in the right direction – industry must be part of that effort.”
Paul Waterson, SAIP Chairsaid: “Our industry has an important role to play in encouraging moderate consumption and in tackling harmful drinking.
“The event highlighted the range of targeted interventions being taken forward in partnership across the industry, in addition to work that many companies also do individually.
“We want to have a prosperous, vibrant alcohol industry whilst at the same time driving down harmful consumption. Progress is being made but more work remains to be done.”
Alcohol producers and retailers are calling on the next Scottish Government to target their efforts to tackle alcohol harm while recognising the positive role the industry can have in helping consumers make informed choices about their drinking.
The Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership is an alliance of retailers and producers committed to tackling alcohol harm by devising and delivering targeted interventions and supporting community-based activities.
The SAIP has launched its manifesto ahead of the Scottish election and has two main asks: to move towards greater use of targeted interventions, and to acknowledge the positive role that the alcohol industry plays in promoting responsible moderate consumption and tackling harmful drinking.
Examples of targeted interventions include Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs) to target underage drinking and assertive outreach treatment to reach and support harmful drinkers.
CAPs work by supporting local partnerships of councils, police, retailers, schools, health providers and other community groups in reducing alcohol harm among children and young people, improving their health and wellbeing and enhancing their communities.
Assertive outreach treatment (AOT) is a service which makes proactive and persistent (‘assertive’) attempts to engage and provide tailored support to harmful drinkers.
SAIP Chairman Paul Waterson said: “We are looking for a greater emphasis and focus on delivering targeted interventions.”
Another change called for by the SAIP is recognition that the industry has a valid and long-standing role to play in tackling alcohol harm.
“The SAIP is a unique partnership that has demonstrated its commitment,” said Waterson. “We have devised and rolled out a national campaign with Police Scotland to tackle the proxy purchase of alcohol by adults for minors and supported the expansion of CAP schemes around Scotland.
“We have also worked with Best Bar None and Drinkaware – all proven ways of making real change in people’s attitude to the safe consumption of alcohol.”
Ambulance staff subjected to violence and harassment on alcohol-related callouts, study finds
Stronger regulation of late-night alcohol sales and marketing likely to help
Scottish ambulance staff are frequently being subjected to violence, aggression and sexual harassment when they attend alcohol-related callouts, according to new research.
The first-of-its-kind study by the University of Stirlingreveals anxiety and frustration among ambulance staff and warns that alcohol-related ambulance callouts have knock-on effects on responses to other patients.
The authors of the study highlight the need for improved support options for patients with chronic alcohol problems, as well as stronger government regulation. Limiting the sale of alcohol after midnight to fewer premises, and introducing restrictions on alcohol marketing, would help reduce this demand for ambulances over time, they say.
The qualitative study, funded by the Chief Scientist Office, part of Scottish Government, is believed to be the first to give voice to ambulance staff on the challenges of dealing with emergency callouts linked to alcohol consumption.
Researchers interviewed 27 frontline ambulance clinicians across Scotland, including paramedics and paramedic technicians, as well as four senior Scottish Ambulance Service staff.
Interviewees reported unpredictable behaviour from intoxicated patients, with callouts taking place in difficult environments – bars, clubs and streets – where ambulance staff regularly experienced violence and harassment from patients and bystanders.
One male paramedic technician who took part in the study said: “The only times I’ve been physically threatened, if not assaulted, have always been drunk patients.
“I’ve been punched, I’ve been kicked, I’ve been bit(ten). I’ve been chased with knives due to drunk people.”
Sexual harassment was more commonly reported by female staff. One female paramedic technician said: “The thing is that you don’t know how [intoxicated patients] are going to turn, ‘cause one minute they can be nice and the next minute they can be…It’s almost like the flick of a switch and they can just turn so nasty.”
The frequency and repetitive nature of callouts – with the same patient often needing to be attended to multiple times – were seen as having a huge impact on the ambulance service, adding significantly to an already very heavy workload. This was the case all year round but exacerbated by certain events.
One female paramedic technician said: “I think when we are stretched to the limit, resources-wise, we are getting these calls through.
“We feel that they are having a massive impact on our staffing, our resources…sometimes we can go to two and three and four alcohol-related call-outs in a row. It gets to the stage where you’re thinking, oh no, not another one.”
She added: “We kind of dread the football matches and we think, oh no, where are they playing? Are they playing at home this day?
“Or we dread New Year, or we dread the Christmas season, where we’re having the office parties and you’re thinking, oh, here we go.”
Calls to patients with alcohol dependence were particularly time-consuming due to the complexities of these patients’ needs, commonly including mental ill-health – with ambulance staff reporting that they take a lot longer than other jobs.
One male paramedic explained: “You go to someone who’s got chest pain and is an alcoholic [sic] that could potentially go up to two hours, two and a half hours because it’s really hard to do the assessment, it just slows everything down.
“And you’ve got the ones that don’t want to travel, and they have to travel or they’re being awkward, or you end up with the police there as well.”
Dr Isabelle Uny, Research Fellow at the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health (ISMH) and lead author of the paper, said: “Our findings show the extent to which alcohol consumption, both on social occasions and by people with alcohol dependence, adds to the pressure on ambulance services and staff.
“We found that ambulance staff displayed a deep duty of care to these patients, despite the frustrations, challenges and aggression, and often treated experience of violence or harassment as routine.”
One in six ambulance callouts in Scotland are alcohol-related, according to previous research by the University of Stirling.
The findings come as the Scottish Government considers further action to restrict alcohol marketing, which, if implemented, is likely to be helpful over time.
The UK government is currently seeking evidence on reforms to the alcohol licensing system in England and Wales that Stirling researchers say would have the opposite effect – further increasing the numbers of premises selling alcohol from an already record high and making it harder for local authorities to regulate late-night sales.
Professor Niamh Fitzgerald, the principal investigator on the study, and Director of ISMH, said “The latest UK government proposals to further liberalise the alcohol licensing system are likely to increase pressure on ambulance services in England and Wales – making alcohol even more easily available twenty-four seven, including from shops and via rapid delivery.
“These findings remind us that this would be bad news for efforts to reduce ambulance waiting times.
“We already know what measures work to reduce the harmful impacts of alcohol – restricting availability, increasing price, and reducing marketing – it is up to both local and national governments to decide to take those measures.”
Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, said: “This research provides a stark reminder of the profound impact alcohol has on our emergency services – placing an avoidable strain on hospitals, paramedics, and other frontline staff, and diverting vital resources away from patients with other urgent medical needs.
“Current UK Government plans to make alcohol even more accessible are deeply concerning. These proposals risk exacerbating the pressures on emergency services and making it harder for frontline workers to do their jobs and protect the public.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We recognise the impact of alcohol-related harm and addiction in Scotland, and we strongly condemn violence and aggression against our staff. It is not acceptable.
“These incidents can have a significant and lasting impact on our people, sometimes even leading them to leave the ambulance service.
“They have the right to carry out their work helping patients and saving lives without fear of assault or abuse, and we will work with Police Scotland to take action against perpetrators.”
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee highlight a series of concerns with the Bill and say it will require significant amendments, should it proceed to Stage 2.
The Member’s Bill, introduced by Douglas Ross MSP, seeks to give people diagnosed with drug or alcohol addiction a statutory right to receive treatment from a relevant professional.
The Committee recognises the strength of evidence received throughout its Stage1 scrutiny which revealed a high level of dissatisfaction with availability and access to support services for those experiencing harm from drug or alcohol misuse.
However, the Committee’s Stage 1 report also highlights widespread stakeholder concerns that the Bill’s focus is too narrow and could lead to a deprioritising of prevention and early intervention when tackling harmful drug and alcohol use.
The Committee says it has heard substantial evidence of the significant strain those working in drug and alcohol services are currently under and says the Bill could potentially exacerbate pressure on the workforce and resources.
Fears that the three-week statutory deadline in the Bill could compromise treatment quality, limit choice, and increase relapse risk are also highlighted. The Committee raises concerns that this treatment deadline could end up putting further pressure on over-stretched resources.
There are also concerns that the costs of implementation set out in the Financial Memorandum are a significant underestimate and the Committee concludes that the Bill may result in resources being diverted from addressing the needs of individuals in order to achieve legal compliance with the Bill.
The Committee points to ‘strong evidence’ that the right to treatment outlined in the legislation could set a dangerous precedent and expectation for a similar legal right to treatment for other conditions.
Further concerns are also raised by the Committee that an unintended consequence of the Bill could be a significant rise in litigation, in cases where health services are unable to meet the legal rights set out in the Bill.
Stakeholders’ doubts about whether legal rights alone can overcome cultural, capacity, and resource barriers, and concerns over proposed enforcement routes as being too costly and complex are highlighted by the Committee.
There are also concerns about the way the Bill might interact with the existing legal framework governing the rights of people suffering harm from alcohol or drug use.
Should it proceed to Stage 2, the Committee calls on Douglas Ross to consider further ways of ensuring that the Bill works in tandem, rather than in conflict, with the existing policy and legal framework.
Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “Our Committee recognises the long-standing and serious harms that drug and alcohol misuse can have on individuals and families across Scotland.
“The number of people suffering from drug and/or alcohol use in Scotland is still far too high and our evidence made it clear that more must be done to tackle these issues.
“However, a majority of our committee do not believe this Bill is the correct vehicle to effectively support those suffering harm from alcohol or drug use.
“Our report highlights our serious concerns with the Bill in its current form and it is because of those concerns that a majority of our committee is unable to recommend to Parliament that the Bill should proceed to Stage 2.
“We acknowledge the Bill’s aim of helping those suffering from drug and alcohol misuse. However, our evidence has highlighted that the Bill in its current form could negatively impact individuals who are suffering and put even greater strain on services that are already deeply stretched.
“On behalf of the Committee, I am grateful to everyone who has provided evidence and informed our scrutiny of the general principles of this Bill.”
Douglas Ross MSP responded: “Disappointing that Holyrood’s Health Committee has said the Right to Recovery Bill should fall.
“But Parliament doesn’t have to agree. This Bill would guarantee a legal right to treatment. With lives lost every day, I hope MSPs back further work on it.”
Other key findings in the report:
the Committee notes concerns that the Bill places a particular emphasis on abstinence-based types of treatment over harm reduction, rather than focusing on what is best for each individual
the Committee voices concerns that the Bill could prove exclusionary, in that individuals who have not received a diagnosis of addiction would not be able to exercise the right to access treatment conferred by the Bill
the Committee notes a range of concerns about the language and definitions used in the Bill. For example, the Committee highlights suggestions that a more appropriate alternative term to “addiction” would be “substance use disorder”, as defined by the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders”
the Committee is concerned by the Bill’s lack of acknowledgement of the crucial role families and carers play in supporting individuals, the role of multi-disciplinary teams, and regrets that the Bill makes no direct reference to the critical role of independent advocacy.
Public Support for Right to Recovery Ignored
Annmarie Ward of FAVOR UK (Faces and Voices of Recovery) said:We have published a detailed statement responding to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s Stage 1 report on the Right to Recovery Bill.
“The statement sets out why the Committee’s decision ignores overwhelming public support, repeats long-debunked myths, and privileges government-funded institutions over families and lived experience.
“Scotland remains the drug death capital of Europe. Nearly 80 percent of consultation respondents supported the Bill, yet the Committee has chosen to defend the status quo rather than recognise the urgent need for enforceable recovery rights. This deserves immediate scrutiny.”
British Beer and Pub Association urges Government to change description rules as supermarket staples can contain more alcohol than no-alcohol beers
At 0.05% UK non-alcoholic thresholds are most stringent in the world
Restrictions mean supermarket staples such as yoghurt and bread can contain more alcohol than No alcohol beer
BBPA calls on Government to change descriptions to support public health goals and so the public have a greater variety of No alcohol beers
The BBPA is calling for a change in UK No/ Low definitions considering many supermarket staples contain more alcohol than No alcohol beer and current rules penalise British brewers.
The leading trade body says a slight change in the threshold to 0.5% ABV would lead to brewers being able to create many more No/ Low alcohol beers, which would help people choose moderation if they want to.
Currently, ‘alcohol free’ beer in the UK must be 0.05% ABV or below, whereas non-alcoholic beer from many other European nations and international markets is allowed up to 0.5% ABV.
Brewers across the UK are investing a huge amount of time and money in creating innovative products, and 86% of pubs now stock No/ Low options. On top of this, 8% of pubs are serving a No/ Low option on draught, proving how the industry is helping public health goals and helping pubs be even more inclusive.
However, given the lack of a level playing field, British brewers are effectively penalised – even in the UK – as they cannot compete with European brewers who have greater freedom to make No/ Low beer.
In the UK an ‘alcohol free’ beer must be below 0.05% ABV whereas non-alcoholic beer from many other EU and international markets adhere to a slightly higher threshold of 0.5% ABV.
With the sector forced to work within such a restrictive threshold, the BBPA has pointed out that many products contain more alcohol than a 0.05% beer.
This was acknowledged in the previous Government’s evidence review published alongside their consultation on No/ Low definitions. The then Government recognised that foods such as bread, fruit juice and yoghurt can all contain a level of alcohol that is undeclared and does not need to be labelled or indeed is a cause for concern.
Specifically, their evidence found levels of up to 1.2g of alcohol per 100g of bread, and 0.77g of alcohol per litre of fruit juice. The Government also highlighted that an individual would need to drink 8 pints of 0.5% ABV in an hour to reach the same blood alcohol content as if they consumed one 4% ABV pint of beer.
This highlights the challenges and unfairness faced by UK brewers.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA said:“It couldn’t be clearer that British brewers want to create more No/ Low options and cater to booming demand but are at a distinct disadvantage when compared to international neighbours.
“Our sector is committed to tackling harmful alcohol consumption, proven by how brewers are creating more No/ Low products, and more pubs are stocking these products.
“Changing current highly restrictive ABV thresholds to match international neighbours will help brewers create more products and give consumers more options when choosing moderation, all of which will help public health goals.”
From a public health perspective there is clear and robust evidence that no and low alcohol drinks are effective in supporting those seeking to moderate or reduce their alcohol consumption.
The No/ Low category is coming off a recording breaking 2024 and Christmas period with up to 140 million pints expected to have been drunk last year. However, there remains huge scope for further growth.
With this in mind, it is vital that the No/ Low category is supported so that it can continue to grow and be an option those who are choosing moderation, the BBPA said.
The report contains reflections from friends and family who have known him during this time, as well as those who he met along the way and were instrumental in his journey to recovery.
Since sobriety, addiction dealt another cruel blow to Ruairidh and his family, with the tragic and untimely death of his brother Alasdair in 2022 due to alcohol and drugs. Ruairidh reflects on this painful time and meets one of Alasdair’s closest friends, to remember his brother’s life.
Eòrpa: Recovery also brings together expert testimony from the world of science, academia, and outreach organisations who strive to minimise the effects, and understand the nature of drug and alcohol use in Scotland’s communities. With the festive season approaching, and with it a temptation to consume more alcohol, this is a time of year when worries about problem drinking can grow.
Ruairidh has known his friend Joanne Havinden since childhood.
Reflecting on Ruairidh’s addiction in his teens, she told him: “My memory of you when we were wee – you were so happy.
“And, you know, you were so good at word games and jokes and puns and making up stupid songs and all that kind of thing.
“And you stopped doing that sort of stuff and you were unhappy. You were really sad. You know, it was just like watching an out-of-control train and we didn’t know what to do to help.”
Kenny Trainer is the Project Manager at the Bluevale Community Club in Haghill and Dennistoun. It started off as a boxing club, but has expanded, with volunteers now helping with a variety of social issues nearby.
Asked if things had moved on since a joint visit in 2021 by then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and then Scottish Conservative Leader Douglas Ross, Kenny told Ruairidh: “To be honest with you, probably not.
“I think that, politics as politics go, they want to point fingers at each other and blame each other and say that one is better than the other, when realistically a lot of the time they are the exact same while nothing really changes and they’ve got the power to make it change.”
This is the first time Ruairidh has spoken publicly about his past issues with alcohol and drugs, and of his journey through recovery.
Reflecting on making this special edition of Eòrpa, Ruairidh said: “It’s vital that we have an open, compassionate and non-judgemental conversation about where things stand with alcohol and drugs in Scotland today.
“Addiction is something that could affect any person and any family. The reason I wanted to make this programme is that I’ve reached a stage in my recovery where I feel ready to add to that conversation and share some of my own experience.
“My journey brought me into contact with many individuals and organisations who helped me and it was a privilege to be able to go back and speak to some of them. Everything I have in my life today is rooted in the sobriety that they helped me to achieve.
“If this programme can offer hope to anyone struggling with addiction, or encourage them to seek support, it will have been worthwhile.”
Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a variety of domestic and European stories.
The minimum price per unit of alcohol will increase by 15 pence from today.
MSPs previously voted to continue the public health measure which had been scheduled to end automatically on 30 April as part of a ‘sunset clause’ when Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) legislation was introduced in 2018.
They also voted to introduce a price increase, with a rise to 65p per unit chosen as the Scottish Government seeks to increase the positive effects of the policy and to take account of inflation.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities.
“Experts wrote to TheLancet, describing Public Health Scotland’s evaluation of minimum unit pricing as ‘high-quality’ and ‘comprehensive’, and expressing confidence that there are several hundred people with low income in Scotland who are alive today as a result of this policy.
“However, the Scottish Government is determined to do all it can to reduce alcohol-related harm and as part of that, I am working to ensure people with problematic alcohol use receive the same quality of care and support as those dealing with problematic drugs use.
“We have also made a record £112 million available to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships to deliver or commission treatment and support services locally, as well as investing £100 million in residential rehabilitation.
“I have also asked that Public Health Scotland is commissioned to review evidence and options for reducing exposure to alcohol marketing.”
New initiatives to increase access to residential rehabilitation across Scotland which will be able to support more than 100 residential rehab placements have been introduced.
Local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) that are experiencing high demand will be able to access extra funding from the new £2 million Scottish Government Residential Rehabilitation Additional Placement Fund (APF).
In addition, a national online service directory will also provide an up-to-date nationwide list of residential rehabilitation providers for the first time.
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said: “A recent PHS publication found we are on track to meet our commitment of 1,000 people receiving public funding for residential rehab but we want to do more and we are working hard to remove potential barriers to people accessing it.
“Those working in ADPs have helped design this approach, which complements a range of other residential rehabilitation projects supported by the Scottish Government.
“This demand-led fund will allow ADPs that need the greatest number of placements to draw down on additional funding for these when they need it – helping ensure funding is targeted at those areas which face the biggest challenges in meeting demand and where help is needed the most.
“The online directory of providers will also make it easier for people to access placements. It will help professionals in the sector as well as empowering individuals and their loved ones to access quality residential rehabilitation and identify the service best placed to support them.”
The rehab.scot site contains an up-to-date list of accredited participating residential rehabilitation providers across the country, as well as associated support services, guidance on accessing rehab and a section on lived-experience rehab journeys.
The fund will be delivered by third-sector partners Scotland Excel.
Cyrenians, NHS Lothians LEAP, and Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership have been successful in a recent Corra Foundation grant bid to develop and implement a Women’s Recovery House in Edinburgh.
The House, for patients moving on from residential recovery in the LEAP program, offers women who do not have a safe home to return to the opportunity to continue their recovery supported by their peers.
The first of its kind in Edinburgh, the house creates a level playing field for women, who until this point have had limited options available upon completing the 12 week LEAP programme.
Amy Hutton, Director of Services at Cyrenians said, “This is a fantastic step forward in supporting the recovery community, particularly women who have been underserved in this area for quite some time.
‘We know, from experience, that highly traumatised women don’t fare well in standard service delivery environments, so to be able to offer a bespoke, safe home, truly is groundbreaking.
‘Men in Edinburgh completing the LEAP programme have benefited from a similar model for many years, so this new Women’s House really levels the playing field and helps us continue providing peer support to women who otherwise would be isolated in their recovery.”
This new funding not only allows the partnership to provide accommodation beyond the LEAP programme, but will also support the development of a Wellbeing Coordinator, providing assistance to patients throughout the LEAP programme and during their stay at the Recovery House.
Viki Fox, LEAP Manager for Cyrenians added: “The number of women attending our LEAP programme has been increasing year on year. To have this move on option available for those who would otherwise be discharged into an unsafe home, or indeed, homelessness, is a fantastic step forward to improving their quality of life and ability to stay in recovery.
‘By providing additional support through our wellbeing coordinator we will be able to offer practical and emotional support that will help build self-esteem and independence.
‘Recovery is only the first step – learning to live again beyond addiction takes time, and without support can feel overwhelming and thankless. The support from Corra Foundation allows us to address this need directly, and ultimately will provide women in Edinburgh the chance to rebuild their lives on their own terms.”
Holyrood agrees continuation of policy and increase to 65p
The minimum price per unit of alcohol will increase by 15 pence after the Scottish Parliament approved plans to continue with the public health measure.
As part of a ‘sunset clause’ when Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) legislation was introduced in 2018, it had been due to end on 30 April, however today’s vote by MSPs ensures its continuation.
In addition, a price increase was required to counteract the effects of inflation, with a rise to 65p selected as the Scottish Government seeks to increase the positive effects of the policy.
The increase will take effect on 30 September 2024.
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said: “I’m pleased that Parliament has agreed to continue MUP legislation and to raise the level it is set at.
“Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities.
“Despite this progress, deaths caused specifically by alcohol rose last year – and my sympathy goes out to all those who have lost a loved one. However, as a letter to The Lancet by public health experts makes clear, it is likely that without MUP there would have been an even greater number of alcohol-specific deaths.
“As we have made clear, the policy aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by reducing consumption at population level, with a particular focus on targeting people who drink at hazardous and harmful levels.
“We believe the proposals strike a reasonable balance between public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and impact on consumers. Evidence suggests there has not been a significant impact on business and industry as a whole but we will continue to monitor this.”
