Watchdog Backs A Minimum Price For Alcohol

A health watchdog has added its voice to calls for a minimum price per unit of alcohol in England. The recommendation from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is in guidance on reducing the harm from excess drinking. NICE says about one in four adults is drinking too much and damaging, or at least risking, their health. The coalition government agrees that alcohol misuse is a problem, but does not support a minimum price. NICE's guidance focuses on the damaging impact of excessive alcohol, and suggests ways for the government, the NHS and others to reduce the harm from misuse, based on the best available evidence.