Responding to the Public Accounts Committee’s report on Alcohol Treatment Services, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association Emma McClarkin said:

“The majority of UK adults consume alcohol responsibly and within the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended guidelines. However, for those with alcohol dependency or who drink at harmful levels, this report clearly demonstrates and seeks to promote the benefits of targeted treatment services, citing that investing £1 in the right services immediately delivers £3 of benefit and even more in the longer-term.

“Any future domestic alcohol strategy must be focused on tackling harmful consumption and we welcome that the report identifies that consideration of preventative measures based on price, availability, or advertising of alcohol must be balanced and based on credible and robust evidence.

“The British beer and pub industry is committed to promoting responsible drinking and providing safe and welcoming spaces where people can enjoy alcohol in moderation, and as an industry we will continue to work in partnership with the Government and other partners to encourage and promote responsible alcohol consumption and to support efforts to tackle alcohol harms, including the need for development of more effective, targeted treatment services.”