HC Deb 15 March 2004 vol 419 c1WS
The Minister for Crime Reduction, Policing and Community Safety (Ms Hazel Blears)

The Strategy Unit's report, alcohol harm reduction strategy for England, is published today. The strategy aims to reduce the harm caused by alcohol misuse by focusing on four areas for interventionusing more effective enforcement to tackle alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour; encouraging the alcoholic drinks industry to take a lead in promoting more responsible drinking and in reducing alcohol-related problems; enabling individual choice through improved and better targeted education and communication; and better support and treatment for those who suffer from the effects of alcohol misuse and their families. Its findings will be implemented as Government policy. This is consistent with the commitment made in the NHS Plan to begin implementing an alcohol harm reduction strategy for England in 2004.

Copies of the report have been placed in the Library.