Recommendation 8

On discussing the merits of preventative measures, the Department told us that what works and does not work on alcohol was very well researched but that the right approach for some areas was highly contested. By way of example, it referenced alcohol pricing and the introduction of minimum unit pricing in Scotland, commenting that the results were 7 HM government departments, From harm to hope: A 10-year drugs plan to cut crime and save lives, 6 December 2021 8 C&AG’s Report, para 2.17 9 C&AG’s Report, paras 1.6 & 1.8, Figure 2 & 4 10 Q 2 11 C&AG’s Report, para 2.3 12 Qq 29–32; HM government departments, From harm to hope: A 10-year drugs plan to cut crime and save lives, 6 December 2021 A 10-year drugs plan to cut crime and save lives 13 Qq 1, 3 14 Qq 1, 3, 6, 20–21, 102 15 Qq 1, 4, 6, 7, 20, 21, 102, 118 Alcohol treatment services 11 unclear.16 Ms Wiseman told us that in her view the evidence on what was needed was clear and Sir Ian commented that there was “international evidence that would break the benches here with its weight”. Both told us that tackling alcohol harm needed preventative action on price, availability, and promotion.17 Understanding the cost of harm