In an exclusive interview with Progress, public health minister Gillian Merron responds to Tory proposals to overhaul drinks labelling and scrap alcohol units.

Progress: Is the current system of alcohol labelling really working – do people understand the units? For example, polls show that very few people know the recommended limits for men and women.

Gillian Merron: A survey in 2007 showed that around 9 out of 10 people had heard of units. And thanks to the Government’s ‘Know Your Limits’ campaign, over 6 out of 10 people can accurately say how many units are in a pint or a shot.

P: Is there a need for greater compliance among drinks manufacturers? Is the voluntary code strong enough? Alcohol Concern has said the current voluntary system is as effective as a ‘chocolate teapot’.

GM: The voluntary agreement that the government made with the alcohol industry across the whole of the UK has been effective in part, for example in displaying unit content. However, overall results from the initial monitoring exercise were disappointing. We’ll shortly announce further independent monitoring results of this scheme – if a voluntary agreement can’t give consumers the information they need for their health, then we will not hesitate to take action to make it happen.

P: Has the units system had any effect on alcoholism or binge drinking? Would the centilitre system make inroads into these problems?

GM: People don’t spend their time thinking about
centilitres and millilitres. To make an informed choice about their health, people simply need clear advice on what’s in their favourite drink – a pint of lager, a glass of wine, or a gin and tonic. That’s exactly what our Know Your Limits ‘Units’ campaign has done. The last thing people want is to be confused by changing measurements – this will undo all the work that’s already been done.