UK govt: Drinking alcohol ‘no riskier than driving’

As the UK government readies to release new drinking guidelines, health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said the dangers of consuming alcohol moderately are “no higher than driving a car”, according to reports.

Earlier this year chief medical officer for England Dame Sally Davies – who published the guidelines in draft form – said there was no safe level of alcohol, and revealed that every time she considers drinking a glass of wine, she considers the raised risk of breast cancer.

As per the draft, government advice will see the weekly unit intake set at 14 units for both men and women – but although the guidelines on alcohol are stricter than at present, the overall message is that in moderation, the risks are minimal.

Hunt is expected to stress that risks from drinking within recommended limits are comparable to those from “regular or routine activities, such as driving”.

A government source told the Sunday Times: “We think the new guidelines are based on good science. But we had always wanted to present the idea of drinking alcohol at relatively sensible levels as about people’s tolerance of risk.

“Up to the limits we’re advising, the level of risk is probably something people would accept.“

The Portman Group, the body that promotes responsible drinking, added: “Responsible drinking carries a level of risk no greater than numerous other day-to day activities and can be part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.”