Alcohol Focus Scotland
@alcoholfocus.bsky.social
Scotland's national charity working to prevent and reduce the harm caused by alcohol.
Website: https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/
Alcohol Free Childhood Campaign: https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/Alcohol-Free-Childhood/
Website: https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/
Alcohol Free Childhood Campaign: https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/Alcohol-Free-Childhood/
Pinned
We're delighted that First Minister John Swinney recently pledged his support to our Alcohol-Free Childhood campaign ✍️
The campaign aims to ensure that children and young people grow up free from the harmful effects of #AlcoholMarketing
Read more 🔽
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/al...
The campaign aims to ensure that children and young people grow up free from the harmful effects of #AlcoholMarketing
Read more 🔽
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/news/news/al...
Good news on #AlcoholDuty in today's budget but we echo the calls for a more comprehensive plan to tackle alcohol harm by @ias.org.uk
England should follow Scotland's lead by introducing #MUP
#AlcoholMarketing restrictions should also be part of the mix
England should follow Scotland's lead by introducing #MUP
#AlcoholMarketing restrictions should also be part of the mix
The UK government has confirmed that alcohol duty rates will be increased in line with inflation, staying the same in real terms.
We welcome this decision.
Our statement:
We welcome this decision.
Our statement:
November 26, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Good news on #AlcoholDuty in today's budget but we echo the calls for a more comprehensive plan to tackle alcohol harm by @ias.org.uk
England should follow Scotland's lead by introducing #MUP
#AlcoholMarketing restrictions should also be part of the mix
England should follow Scotland's lead by introducing #MUP
#AlcoholMarketing restrictions should also be part of the mix
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
The only time in recent history when the death rate from alcohol consistently fell was during New Labour's 'duty escalator'.
Listen to our latest podcast to hear about alcohol's impact on productivity, with Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco... @alcoholchangeuk.bsky.social
Listen to our latest podcast to hear about alcohol's impact on productivity, with Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco... @alcoholchangeuk.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM
The only time in recent history when the death rate from alcohol consistently fell was during New Labour's 'duty escalator'.
Listen to our latest podcast to hear about alcohol's impact on productivity, with Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco... @alcoholchangeuk.bsky.social
Listen to our latest podcast to hear about alcohol's impact on productivity, with Dr @jamie-ohalloran.bsky.social: ias.org.uk/podcast/alco... @alcoholchangeuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
1/ The rising toll of alcohol harm is staggering.
Every year - 980,000 hospital admissions and secondary diagnoses, a factor in 525,000 violent incidents, and a cost of £1.5bn a year in the NE alone. @ias.org.uk @aha-uk.bsky.social
Every year - 980,000 hospital admissions and secondary diagnoses, a factor in 525,000 violent incidents, and a cost of £1.5bn a year in the NE alone. @ias.org.uk @aha-uk.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 8:56 AM
1/ The rising toll of alcohol harm is staggering.
Every year - 980,000 hospital admissions and secondary diagnoses, a factor in 525,000 violent incidents, and a cost of £1.5bn a year in the NE alone. @ias.org.uk @aha-uk.bsky.social
Every year - 980,000 hospital admissions and secondary diagnoses, a factor in 525,000 violent incidents, and a cost of £1.5bn a year in the NE alone. @ias.org.uk @aha-uk.bsky.social
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
📢 This #AddictionAwarenessWeek, we’re sharing our new report 'Barriers to Recovery'.
It explores the obstacles people face when seeking alcohol recovery and how we can overcome them.
Read more: www.ias.org.uk/report/barri...
#LetsTalkAddiction
It explores the obstacles people face when seeking alcohol recovery and how we can overcome them.
Read more: www.ias.org.uk/report/barri...
#LetsTalkAddiction
Barriers to Recovery: Overcoming obstacles to alcohol recovery in the UK - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Alcohol-related harm continues to escalate in the United Kingdom (UK), with 2023 marking the highest number of alcohol-specific deaths recorded in England, and only 22% of those in need accessing spec...
www.ias.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 10:03 AM
📢 This #AddictionAwarenessWeek, we’re sharing our new report 'Barriers to Recovery'.
It explores the obstacles people face when seeking alcohol recovery and how we can overcome them.
Read more: www.ias.org.uk/report/barri...
#LetsTalkAddiction
It explores the obstacles people face when seeking alcohol recovery and how we can overcome them.
Read more: www.ias.org.uk/report/barri...
#LetsTalkAddiction
It's #PancreaticCancerAwarenessMonth
Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with chronic pancreatitis. About 70 out of 100 cases of chronic pancreatitis (about 70%) are due to drinking more than the recommended low risk guidance over a long period
Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with chronic pancreatitis. About 70 out of 100 cases of chronic pancreatitis (about 70%) are due to drinking more than the recommended low risk guidance over a long period
November 24, 2025 at 4:29 PM
It's #PancreaticCancerAwarenessMonth
Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with chronic pancreatitis. About 70 out of 100 cases of chronic pancreatitis (about 70%) are due to drinking more than the recommended low risk guidance over a long period
Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with chronic pancreatitis. About 70 out of 100 cases of chronic pancreatitis (about 70%) are due to drinking more than the recommended low risk guidance over a long period
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
💡 Exposure to alcohol marketing influences us to buy and drink more alcohol.
⚽️ We should be able to enjoy sports without the constant nudge to drink.
➡️ You can email your MSP to ask them to commit to bringing an end to alcohol sport sponsorship here: bit.ly/4pIyUgj
⚽️ We should be able to enjoy sports without the constant nudge to drink.
➡️ You can email your MSP to ask them to commit to bringing an end to alcohol sport sponsorship here: bit.ly/4pIyUgj
November 21, 2025 at 11:31 AM
💡 Exposure to alcohol marketing influences us to buy and drink more alcohol.
⚽️ We should be able to enjoy sports without the constant nudge to drink.
➡️ You can email your MSP to ask them to commit to bringing an end to alcohol sport sponsorship here: bit.ly/4pIyUgj
⚽️ We should be able to enjoy sports without the constant nudge to drink.
➡️ You can email your MSP to ask them to commit to bringing an end to alcohol sport sponsorship here: bit.ly/4pIyUgj
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Professor Neil McHugh will deliver the latest Professorial Lecture at Glasgow Caledonian. 📈
💡Policies to tackle health inequalities: what do the public think?
📅 9 December 2025
🕒 5.30pm
🔗 For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/professori...
💡Policies to tackle health inequalities: what do the public think?
📅 9 December 2025
🕒 5.30pm
🔗 For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/professori...
November 24, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Professor Neil McHugh will deliver the latest Professorial Lecture at Glasgow Caledonian. 📈
💡Policies to tackle health inequalities: what do the public think?
📅 9 December 2025
🕒 5.30pm
🔗 For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/professori...
💡Policies to tackle health inequalities: what do the public think?
📅 9 December 2025
🕒 5.30pm
🔗 For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/professori...
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Today #DHSC launched a new Men’s Health Strategy for England.
While alcohol is acknowledged as an important factor impacting men’s health, the strategy does not go far enough to address the ill-health and inequalities it causes.
Read our full response👇
ahauk.org/news/aha-res...
While alcohol is acknowledged as an important factor impacting men’s health, the strategy does not go far enough to address the ill-health and inequalities it causes.
Read our full response👇
ahauk.org/news/aha-res...
November 19, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Today #DHSC launched a new Men’s Health Strategy for England.
While alcohol is acknowledged as an important factor impacting men’s health, the strategy does not go far enough to address the ill-health and inequalities it causes.
Read our full response👇
ahauk.org/news/aha-res...
While alcohol is acknowledged as an important factor impacting men’s health, the strategy does not go far enough to address the ill-health and inequalities it causes.
Read our full response👇
ahauk.org/news/aha-res...
Fans have been following their teams and enjoying the highs and lows of #football without #alcohol being available in stadia for 40 years now. 🏆
Instead of making alcohol even more available, isn’t it time we opened a discussion about whether alcohol has a place in sport?
Instead of making alcohol even more available, isn’t it time we opened a discussion about whether alcohol has a place in sport?
November 21, 2025 at 3:27 PM
November is #MouthCancerAwarenessMonth
Many people remain unaware that alcohol causes at least 7 different cancers, including mouth cancer
#BigAlcohol would rather you didn't know 🤫
We think you should
We want to see mandatory health warning labels on alcohol products ⚠️
Many people remain unaware that alcohol causes at least 7 different cancers, including mouth cancer
#BigAlcohol would rather you didn't know 🤫
We think you should
We want to see mandatory health warning labels on alcohol products ⚠️
November 21, 2025 at 10:27 AM
November is #MouthCancerAwarenessMonth
Many people remain unaware that alcohol causes at least 7 different cancers, including mouth cancer
#BigAlcohol would rather you didn't know 🤫
We think you should
We want to see mandatory health warning labels on alcohol products ⚠️
Many people remain unaware that alcohol causes at least 7 different cancers, including mouth cancer
#BigAlcohol would rather you didn't know 🤫
We think you should
We want to see mandatory health warning labels on alcohol products ⚠️
Today is #InternationalTransDayofRemembrance
The transgender community is disproportionately affected by alcohol harm - including as a result of coping with #transphobia,
They also experience significant barriers when trying to access healthcare
The transgender community is disproportionately affected by alcohol harm - including as a result of coping with #transphobia,
They also experience significant barriers when trying to access healthcare
November 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Today is #InternationalTransDayofRemembrance
The transgender community is disproportionately affected by alcohol harm - including as a result of coping with #transphobia,
They also experience significant barriers when trying to access healthcare
The transgender community is disproportionately affected by alcohol harm - including as a result of coping with #transphobia,
They also experience significant barriers when trying to access healthcare
Isn't it the thrill of a winning goal, the spine tingle of the crowd singing in unison, the delight of a trophy win - or even the shared pain of defeat - that makes football great?
We’re encouraged to think we have fun because of alcohol, when really it's sharing great experiences with our mates.
We’re encouraged to think we have fun because of alcohol, when really it's sharing great experiences with our mates.
November 19, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Isn't it the thrill of a winning goal, the spine tingle of the crowd singing in unison, the delight of a trophy win - or even the shared pain of defeat - that makes football great?
We’re encouraged to think we have fun because of alcohol, when really it's sharing great experiences with our mates.
We’re encouraged to think we have fun because of alcohol, when really it's sharing great experiences with our mates.
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
We should be able to enjoy sports without the constant nudge to drink.
By writing to your MSPs, you can ask them to commit to bringing an end to alcohol sport sponsorship in their manifestos for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
Email your MSP here: bit.ly/3LLVo10
By writing to your MSPs, you can ask them to commit to bringing an end to alcohol sport sponsorship in their manifestos for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
Email your MSP here: bit.ly/3LLVo10
November 18, 2025 at 9:37 AM
We should be able to enjoy sports without the constant nudge to drink.
By writing to your MSPs, you can ask them to commit to bringing an end to alcohol sport sponsorship in their manifestos for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
Email your MSP here: bit.ly/3LLVo10
By writing to your MSPs, you can ask them to commit to bringing an end to alcohol sport sponsorship in their manifestos for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
Email your MSP here: bit.ly/3LLVo10
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Did you spot our campaign on BBC Scotland?
The Calling Time campaign, which calls for an end to alcohol sponsorship of sport, was an official sponsor of the 2025 Scottish Masters Cup, which took place on Friday.
Learn more about our campaign here: bit.ly/3XwK3Vc
The Calling Time campaign, which calls for an end to alcohol sponsorship of sport, was an official sponsor of the 2025 Scottish Masters Cup, which took place on Friday.
Learn more about our campaign here: bit.ly/3XwK3Vc
November 18, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Did you spot our campaign on BBC Scotland?
The Calling Time campaign, which calls for an end to alcohol sponsorship of sport, was an official sponsor of the 2025 Scottish Masters Cup, which took place on Friday.
Learn more about our campaign here: bit.ly/3XwK3Vc
The Calling Time campaign, which calls for an end to alcohol sponsorship of sport, was an official sponsor of the 2025 Scottish Masters Cup, which took place on Friday.
Learn more about our campaign here: bit.ly/3XwK3Vc
Instead of arguing for more booze in #football, maybe we could imagine a future where the match day experience becomes more family-friendly, a place where the focus stays on the football and the atmosphere, not on drinking and dealing with its fallout?
#Alcohol #Football #SPFL
#Alcohol #Football #SPFL
November 18, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Instead of arguing for more booze in #football, maybe we could imagine a future where the match day experience becomes more family-friendly, a place where the focus stays on the football and the atmosphere, not on drinking and dealing with its fallout?
#Alcohol #Football #SPFL
#Alcohol #Football #SPFL
They say football is the 'working man's' game, and limiting alcohol at matches is 'class warfare'.
Yet, no group in Scotland experiences alcohol harm more than working class men.
It's not the working man who needs more alcohol in football. It's the #BigAlcohol who want it. 💰
Yet, no group in Scotland experiences alcohol harm more than working class men.
It's not the working man who needs more alcohol in football. It's the #BigAlcohol who want it. 💰
November 17, 2025 at 12:26 PM
They say football is the 'working man's' game, and limiting alcohol at matches is 'class warfare'.
Yet, no group in Scotland experiences alcohol harm more than working class men.
It's not the working man who needs more alcohol in football. It's the #BigAlcohol who want it. 💰
Yet, no group in Scotland experiences alcohol harm more than working class men.
It's not the working man who needs more alcohol in football. It's the #BigAlcohol who want it. 💰
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Got a spare 3 minutes?
This short film introduces 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK' - a new expert-led blueprint setting out how government can reduce alcohol deaths and support those in need of treatment.
This short film introduces 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK' - a new expert-led blueprint setting out how government can reduce alcohol deaths and support those in need of treatment.
A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK: Explained
Alcohol harm is one of the UK’s most urgent public health challenges — driving rising deaths, deepening health inequalities, and placing huge strain on our NHS, social care and economy. Yet well over…
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Got a spare 3 minutes?
This short film introduces 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK' - a new expert-led blueprint setting out how government can reduce alcohol deaths and support those in need of treatment.
This short film introduces 'A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK' - a new expert-led blueprint setting out how government can reduce alcohol deaths and support those in need of treatment.
On a weekend where another two #ScottishFootball matches will see alcohol sold, this time within stadia, worth asking again - who's driving this push, and who stands to benefit most?
The fans? The players? The clubs? Or is it perhaps #BigAlcohol?
The fans? The players? The clubs? Or is it perhaps #BigAlcohol?
www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk
Alcohol, Class and Cash: The Real Game Behind the Push to Bring Alcohol Back to Football Grounds | News | Alcohol Focus Scotland
twp.ai
November 15, 2025 at 12:30 PM
On a weekend where another two #ScottishFootball matches will see alcohol sold, this time within stadia, worth asking again - who's driving this push, and who stands to benefit most?
The fans? The players? The clubs? Or is it perhaps #BigAlcohol?
The fans? The players? The clubs? Or is it perhaps #BigAlcohol?
It's #PancreaticCancerAwarenessMonth
Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with chronic pancreatitis. About 70 out of 100 cases of chronic pancreatitis (about 70%) are due to drinking more than the recommended low risk guidance over a long period
Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with chronic pancreatitis. About 70 out of 100 cases of chronic pancreatitis (about 70%) are due to drinking more than the recommended low risk guidance over a long period
November 15, 2025 at 10:31 AM
It's #PancreaticCancerAwarenessMonth
Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with chronic pancreatitis. About 70 out of 100 cases of chronic pancreatitis (about 70%) are due to drinking more than the recommended low risk guidance over a long period
Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with chronic pancreatitis. About 70 out of 100 cases of chronic pancreatitis (about 70%) are due to drinking more than the recommended low risk guidance over a long period
Research by Stirling University found that clubs won't likely benefit financially from alcohol sales at football grounds
But #BigAlcohol might. They want us to think fans are driving this push
But a lot of fans see increasing violence in #ScottishFootball and say, 'No thanks'
But #BigAlcohol might. They want us to think fans are driving this push
But a lot of fans see increasing violence in #ScottishFootball and say, 'No thanks'
November 14, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Research by Stirling University found that clubs won't likely benefit financially from alcohol sales at football grounds
But #BigAlcohol might. They want us to think fans are driving this push
But a lot of fans see increasing violence in #ScottishFootball and say, 'No thanks'
But #BigAlcohol might. They want us to think fans are driving this push
But a lot of fans see increasing violence in #ScottishFootball and say, 'No thanks'
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Proposed changes to alcohol licensing put “growth” ahead of health. A BMJ editorial warns this is a policy made for industry, not for people.
"A prevention approach starts from the recognition that health is not a barrier to economic prosperity...
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
"A prevention approach starts from the recognition that health is not a barrier to economic prosperity...
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
Proposed changes to alcohol licensing should make us question whose interests we’re serving in the name of growth
Increasing the consumption of harmful products is the opposite of healthy or productive growth, say Nason Maani and colleagues
Preventable ill health is at the heart of the challenges facing this co...
www.bmj.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Proposed changes to alcohol licensing put “growth” ahead of health. A BMJ editorial warns this is a policy made for industry, not for people.
"A prevention approach starts from the recognition that health is not a barrier to economic prosperity...
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
"A prevention approach starts from the recognition that health is not a barrier to economic prosperity...
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
The corporate execs pushing for a return of #alcohol to #football grounds want us to believe that fans are driving this change
But many fans do not support this, and want to be able to bring their family to games without the fear of increased alcohol related violence & disorder.
But many fans do not support this, and want to be able to bring their family to games without the fear of increased alcohol related violence & disorder.
November 14, 2025 at 12:17 PM
When is a pilot not a pilot?
A study commissioned by the SFA and SPFL themselves was clear that any meaningful pilot would need independent funding, robust data collection, & external oversight. None of that appears to be happening here.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A study commissioned by the SFA and SPFL themselves was clear that any meaningful pilot would need independent funding, robust data collection, & external oversight. None of that appears to be happening here.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Aberdeen to trial alcohol sales at Scottish Premiership match
Supporters will be able to buy alcoholic drinks at the game against Kilmarnock next month.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 9:48 AM
When is a pilot not a pilot?
A study commissioned by the SFA and SPFL themselves was clear that any meaningful pilot would need independent funding, robust data collection, & external oversight. None of that appears to be happening here.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A study commissioned by the SFA and SPFL themselves was clear that any meaningful pilot would need independent funding, robust data collection, & external oversight. None of that appears to be happening here.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
Imagine a UK where alcohol harm is rare and everyone has an equal chance of good health.
That’s the vision behind the new report 'A Healthier Future', which sets out the roadmap - and how cross-government action can make it happen.
🗺️ View and share 👉 www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
That’s the vision behind the new report 'A Healthier Future', which sets out the roadmap - and how cross-government action can make it happen.
🗺️ View and share 👉 www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
November 12, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Imagine a UK where alcohol harm is rare and everyone has an equal chance of good health.
That’s the vision behind the new report 'A Healthier Future', which sets out the roadmap - and how cross-government action can make it happen.
🗺️ View and share 👉 www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
That’s the vision behind the new report 'A Healthier Future', which sets out the roadmap - and how cross-government action can make it happen.
🗺️ View and share 👉 www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
Reposted by Alcohol Focus Scotland
...recent history when the gap in affordability of pub and supermarket alcohol wasn't widening hugely.
November 12, 2025 at 12:05 PM
...recent history when the gap in affordability of pub and supermarket alcohol wasn't widening hugely.