David Barbour
@gayalcoholic.bsky.social
Gay alcoholic in recovery. Interested in reducing alcohol harm and LGBT health inequalities. Elton fanatic. Pound shop renaissance man. Views are my own.
Reposted by David Barbour
In our new FOI study we found that Budweiser directly urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to intervene and "ensure" that DHSC removed alcohol marketing restrictions from the NHS’s 10 Year Health Plan.
Health policy should be protected from industry influence.
www.ias.org.uk/report/now-y...
Health policy should be protected from industry influence.
www.ias.org.uk/report/now-y...
January 29, 2026 at 12:04 PM
In our new FOI study we found that Budweiser directly urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to intervene and "ensure" that DHSC removed alcohol marketing restrictions from the NHS’s 10 Year Health Plan.
Health policy should be protected from industry influence.
www.ias.org.uk/report/now-y...
Health policy should be protected from industry influence.
www.ias.org.uk/report/now-y...
Reposted by David Barbour
Council of Europe votes to pass trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy
https://www.thepinknews.com/2026/01/30/conversion-therapy-council-of-europe/?utm_content=1769769600&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky
https://www.thepinknews.com/2026/01/30/conversion-therapy-council-of-europe/?utm_content=1769769600&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky
Council of Europe votes to ban conversion therapy
The Council of Europe has voted to pass a resolution banning so-called 'conversion therapy' for all, including trans people.
www.thepinknews.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:40 AM
Council of Europe votes to pass trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy
https://www.thepinknews.com/2026/01/30/conversion-therapy-council-of-europe/?utm_content=1769769600&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky
https://www.thepinknews.com/2026/01/30/conversion-therapy-council-of-europe/?utm_content=1769769600&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky
Reposted by David Barbour
We've just published our eFocus newsletter for January 2026!📰
A roundup of all the latest news and views from AFS, as well as the latest on alcohol policy, research and events.
Don't miss news of our new CEO and two fantastic job opportunities!
mailchi.mp/7095e247ae3a...
A roundup of all the latest news and views from AFS, as well as the latest on alcohol policy, research and events.
Don't miss news of our new CEO and two fantastic job opportunities!
mailchi.mp/7095e247ae3a...
January 29, 2026 at 3:20 PM
We've just published our eFocus newsletter for January 2026!📰
A roundup of all the latest news and views from AFS, as well as the latest on alcohol policy, research and events.
Don't miss news of our new CEO and two fantastic job opportunities!
mailchi.mp/7095e247ae3a...
A roundup of all the latest news and views from AFS, as well as the latest on alcohol policy, research and events.
Don't miss news of our new CEO and two fantastic job opportunities!
mailchi.mp/7095e247ae3a...
Reposted by David Barbour
Great to hear @mareetodd.bsky.social note the #PublicHealth case against changing the law on alcohol in football stadia 👏
But we've yet to see any sign that the so called 'pilots' constitute the 'robust, independent research' demanded by football authorities' own exploratory research.
But we've yet to see any sign that the so called 'pilots' constitute the 'robust, independent research' demanded by football authorities' own exploratory research.
Maree Todd, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, discusses alcohol availability at football matches:
"Each year, we lose 1,200
people—far too many—to deaths that are directly
related to alcohol. The public health advice would
be to narrow access, not to increase access."
bit.ly/4sEI13E
"Each year, we lose 1,200
people—far too many—to deaths that are directly
related to alcohol. The public health advice would
be to narrow access, not to increase access."
bit.ly/4sEI13E
Members’ Business: The Importance of Football within Scotland - 14 January 2026
YouTube video by The Scottish Parliament
youtu.be
January 20, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Great to hear @mareetodd.bsky.social note the #PublicHealth case against changing the law on alcohol in football stadia 👏
But we've yet to see any sign that the so called 'pilots' constitute the 'robust, independent research' demanded by football authorities' own exploratory research.
But we've yet to see any sign that the so called 'pilots' constitute the 'robust, independent research' demanded by football authorities' own exploratory research.
Reposted by David Barbour
Alcohol costs our economy billions in lost productivity through sickness, presenteeism and early death
Tax breaks for #BigAlcohol won't lead to economic growth
Reducing alcohol harm by taking action on price, availability and marketing almost certainly would
Tax breaks for #BigAlcohol won't lead to economic growth
Reducing alcohol harm by taking action on price, availability and marketing almost certainly would
Poor health is now one of the biggest barriers to UK economic growth.
Join us on 28 January for this webinar with @growthandreform.bsky.social to hear examples of good practice in economic development that are delivering benefits for health.
Register now ⬇️
Join us on 28 January for this webinar with @growthandreform.bsky.social to hear examples of good practice in economic development that are delivering benefits for health.
Register now ⬇️
WEBINAR: Inclusive growth and healthy places
Showcasing good practice in how to deliver local growth and improve health.
bit.ly
January 9, 2026 at 6:05 PM
Alcohol costs our economy billions in lost productivity through sickness, presenteeism and early death
Tax breaks for #BigAlcohol won't lead to economic growth
Reducing alcohol harm by taking action on price, availability and marketing almost certainly would
Tax breaks for #BigAlcohol won't lead to economic growth
Reducing alcohol harm by taking action on price, availability and marketing almost certainly would
Well said @neilmackay.bsky.social 👏👏
How can any of the anti-trans mob who claimed they were all about protecting women and girls remain on Twitter given the sexualised deepfakes of women and creation of child abuse images? How? They clearly don’t give a damn. It was always about plain old bigotry. As anyone with a brain knew all along
January 9, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Well said @neilmackay.bsky.social 👏👏
Reposted by David Barbour
This #DryJanuary save for cheeky splurges and rainy days with Try Dry®, the app that tracks your alcohol-free savings:
https://twp.ai/9PYhQf
https://twp.ai/9PYhQf
January 7, 2026 at 9:30 AM
This #DryJanuary save for cheeky splurges and rainy days with Try Dry®, the app that tracks your alcohol-free savings:
https://twp.ai/9PYhQf
https://twp.ai/9PYhQf
Still got some Christmas shopping to do?
Check out our #ThinkOutsideTheBottle suggestions
People probably have/get enough alcohol already.
Check out our #ThinkOutsideTheBottle suggestions
People probably have/get enough alcohol already.
We've just published our eFocus newsletter for December 🎄
Check it out for the latest news, research, updates and events in alcohol policy and services
mailchi.mp/5b7f1b86d142...
Check it out for the latest news, research, updates and events in alcohol policy and services
mailchi.mp/5b7f1b86d142...
December 19, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Still got some Christmas shopping to do?
Check out our #ThinkOutsideTheBottle suggestions
People probably have/get enough alcohol already.
Check out our #ThinkOutsideTheBottle suggestions
People probably have/get enough alcohol already.
Reposted by David Barbour
Those behind the push to bring alcohol sales back to #ScottishFootball pretend fans are unanimously behind it
But many fans know what it could mean - already increasing disorder and violence getting worse, making stadia unsafe for families
But many fans know what it could mean - already increasing disorder and violence getting worse, making stadia unsafe for families
December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Those behind the push to bring alcohol sales back to #ScottishFootball pretend fans are unanimously behind it
But many fans know what it could mean - already increasing disorder and violence getting worse, making stadia unsafe for families
But many fans know what it could mean - already increasing disorder and violence getting worse, making stadia unsafe for families
Reposted by David Barbour
The overall message was remarkably consistent: minimum unit pricing reduces alcohol use and improves health outcomes in the real world.
#MUP #Alcohol #PublicHealth
#MUP #Alcohol #PublicHealth
Withdrawal? Crime? Other drug use?
A comprehensive review of minimum unit pricing found these fears don’t materialise – while health benefits do.
In our latest blog, Dr James Clay of @uviccisur.bsky.social explains.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/18/m...
A comprehensive review of minimum unit pricing found these fears don’t materialise – while health benefits do.
In our latest blog, Dr James Clay of @uviccisur.bsky.social explains.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/12/18/m...
Minimum unit pricing works – and it works for the people who need it most - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Real-world evidence from multiple countries shows that minimum unit pricing works: it cuts the purchase of high-strength cheap alcohol, improves health outcomes, and benefits those facing the highest ...
www.ias.org.uk
December 18, 2025 at 9:48 AM
The overall message was remarkably consistent: minimum unit pricing reduces alcohol use and improves health outcomes in the real world.
#MUP #Alcohol #PublicHealth
#MUP #Alcohol #PublicHealth
Reposted by David Barbour
Heineken has said that its 0% drink has led to "almost no cannibalisation and a positive Halo effect" - meaning it would do nothing to reduce alcohol consumption and harm.
Read our latest blog that looked at contrasting comms from zero alcohol producers.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/26/z...
Read our latest blog that looked at contrasting comms from zero alcohol producers.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/26/z...
Zero-alcohol products: a tool for moderation or a tool for growth? - Institute of Alcohol Studies
How do alcohol industry public-facing and industry-facing communications differ regarding how they talk about zero alcohol drinks?
www.ias.org.uk
December 4, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Heineken has said that its 0% drink has led to "almost no cannibalisation and a positive Halo effect" - meaning it would do nothing to reduce alcohol consumption and harm.
Read our latest blog that looked at contrasting comms from zero alcohol producers.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/26/z...
Read our latest blog that looked at contrasting comms from zero alcohol producers.
www.ias.org.uk/2025/11/26/z...
Reposted by David Barbour
Me, in The Guardian today:
"This is a moment that requires bravery in standing up for what is right. Organisations that value trans people should know not just that the law is on their side – but so, also, are many people who will step up to defend them if they have the courage to take a stand."
"This is a moment that requires bravery in standing up for what is right. Organisations that value trans people should know not just that the law is on their side – but so, also, are many people who will step up to defend them if they have the courage to take a stand."
The WI and Girlguiding have been pressured to exclude trans women – yet the law is clear as mud | Jess O’Thomson
Since the supreme court decision, organisations have faced lobbying and legal threats. But trans people are protected by discrimination law too, says Jess O’Thomson of the Good Law Project
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Me, in The Guardian today:
"This is a moment that requires bravery in standing up for what is right. Organisations that value trans people should know not just that the law is on their side – but so, also, are many people who will step up to defend them if they have the courage to take a stand."
"This is a moment that requires bravery in standing up for what is right. Organisations that value trans people should know not just that the law is on their side – but so, also, are many people who will step up to defend them if they have the courage to take a stand."
Reposted by David Barbour
Ignore the media framing, I think this is a glimmer of good news.
“The tribunal was clear that the law does not now require banning trans people from single-sex spaces” - @goodlawproject.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
“The tribunal was clear that the law does not now require banning trans people from single-sex spaces” - @goodlawproject.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Scottish nurse wins part of her tribunal in trans doctor changing room case
Sandie Peggie wins harassment claim but tribunal dismisses allegations of discrimination and victimisation
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Ignore the media framing, I think this is a glimmer of good news.
“The tribunal was clear that the law does not now require banning trans people from single-sex spaces” - @goodlawproject.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
“The tribunal was clear that the law does not now require banning trans people from single-sex spaces” - @goodlawproject.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by David Barbour
The thing I still can't forgive Corbyn for is the generational harm he caused by enabling Brexit. When Starmer is gone, hopefully soon, I will feel the same way about the profound harm he has caused by making it palatable for the Far Right to ditch human rights norms. It will be his shameful legacy.
Starmer urges Europe’s leaders to curb ECHR to halt rise of far right
Exclusive: PM calls for members of European convention on human rights to allow tougher action to protect borders
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 6:43 AM
The thing I still can't forgive Corbyn for is the generational harm he caused by enabling Brexit. When Starmer is gone, hopefully soon, I will feel the same way about the profound harm he has caused by making it palatable for the Far Right to ditch human rights norms. It will be his shameful legacy.
It's a little bugbear of mine that those of us in certain types of recovery should be mindful of.
Having an alcohol problem was resolutely not our fault.
Having an alcohol problem was resolutely not our fault.
Many find it empowering to take 'personal responsibility' in recovering from alcohol problems
Whilst that is to be lauded, it's so important to remember the structural/environmental factors - including commercial activity - that contribute to people developing an alcohol problem
Whilst that is to be lauded, it's so important to remember the structural/environmental factors - including commercial activity - that contribute to people developing an alcohol problem
Recovery from alcohol dependence isn’t just personal - it’s structural.
Our 'Barriers to Recovery' report calls for fairer alcohol pricing, stronger legal protections, and better-funded treatment.
Let’s build a system that works.
Our 'Barriers to Recovery' report calls for fairer alcohol pricing, stronger legal protections, and better-funded treatment.
Let’s build a system that works.
December 2, 2025 at 5:30 PM
It's a little bugbear of mine that those of us in certain types of recovery should be mindful of.
Having an alcohol problem was resolutely not our fault.
Having an alcohol problem was resolutely not our fault.
Reposted by David Barbour
We've just published our eFocus newsletter for November! 📰
Check it out for all the latest news, research and events in alcohol harm prevention! 👀
mailchi.mp/7b5cf7cb9e02...
Check it out for all the latest news, research and events in alcohol harm prevention! 👀
mailchi.mp/7b5cf7cb9e02...
November 27, 2025 at 1:31 PM
We've just published our eFocus newsletter for November! 📰
Check it out for all the latest news, research and events in alcohol harm prevention! 👀
mailchi.mp/7b5cf7cb9e02...
Check it out for all the latest news, research and events in alcohol harm prevention! 👀
mailchi.mp/7b5cf7cb9e02...
Reposted by David Barbour
Imagine coming up with a proposal so stupid, so unworkable, so thoughtless, that it makes Robert Jenrick look sane by comparison.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jury trials could be scrapped except in most serious cases
Only cases of alleged murder, rape or manslaughter will be decided by a jury under new proposals to cut court backlogs.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Imagine coming up with a proposal so stupid, so unworkable, so thoughtless, that it makes Robert Jenrick look sane by comparison.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by David Barbour
Best understood, Labour's attack on juries, as a further lurch towards authoritarianism. Who, now, will stand in the way of a State that wants to imprison its opponents?
November 26, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Best understood, Labour's attack on juries, as a further lurch towards authoritarianism. Who, now, will stand in the way of a State that wants to imprison its opponents?
Reposted by David Barbour
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 David Barbour
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?
Reposted by David Barbour
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 David Barbour
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
Reposted by David Barbour
We were pleased to contribute to and fully support the new
@ias.org.uk long-term vision for tackling alcohol harm in the UK
Find out what the report is calling for and how to support the calls 🔽
@ias.org.uk long-term vision for tackling alcohol harm in the UK
Find out what the report is calling for and how to support the calls 🔽
📢 New report out now: A Healthier Future: a long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK.
Developed by leading experts, it sets out a blueprint for halving risky drinking, reducing alcohol deaths, and expanding access to treatment.
Read now: www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
Developed by leading experts, it sets out a blueprint for halving risky drinking, reducing alcohol deaths, and expanding access to treatment.
Read now: www.ias.org.uk/report/a-hea...
A Healthier Future: A long-term vision to tackle alcohol harm in the UK - Institute of Alcohol Studies
Alcohol harm is a serious and growing concern in the UK, impacting people’s health and wellbeing, the NHS, social services, criminal justice, and our economy. These impacts are felt most by people on ...
www.ias.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 1:49 PM
We were pleased to contribute to and fully support the new
@ias.org.uk long-term vision for tackling alcohol harm in the UK
Find out what the report is calling for and how to support the calls 🔽
@ias.org.uk long-term vision for tackling alcohol harm in the UK
Find out what the report is calling for and how to support the calls 🔽