Prof Sellman proposes action over alcohol misuse

Professor Sellman's lecture, titled 'Ten things the alcohol industry won't tell you about alcohol' highlighted the negative health and social impacts of alcohol in our society. The over-commercialisation of alcohol that serves to normalise a heavy drinking culture was identified as one of the key causes of this growing problem. 

Professor Sellman pointed out that around 1000 deaths a year can be attributed to alcohol, compared to methamphetamine (commonly known as 'P') which is responsible for 20 deaths. He argues that despite the greater impact of alcohol we are not putting anywhere near as much energy into worrying about it as we do with 'P'. In addition to these 1000 deaths, there are over 700,000 physical and and sexual assaults that can be linked to alcohol.

In the meantime, those trying to combat alcohol misuse are battling against a wealthy corporation that is spending $200,000 a day, particular marketing its product at young people who are keen to fit in with their peer group. The huge rise in availability of Ready To Drink (RTD's) products that taste more like soft drinks than alcohol is an example of such marketing.

The 5+ Plan is a strategy proposed by Professor Sellman attempts to redress the balance between a largely unregulated alcohol industry and the other extreme which is total prohibition. Sellman proposes a "middle ground" option based on the following actions:

1. Raising alcohol prices

2. Raising the purchasing age (up to 20 years)

3. Reducing alcohol accessibility (alcohol-free supermarkets and restricted off-licence hours)

4. Reducing marketing and advertising of alcohol

5. Increasing drink-driving counter-measures (lowering BAC limits, with a zero limit for under 20's)

PLUS: Increasing treatment opportunities for heavy drinkers. 

More information about Professor Sellman's lecture series and the Alcohol Action initiative can be found on the Alcohol Action Website.