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Brits warned to drink responsibly over bank holiday

Drinkers in the UK have been advised to ensure they consume alcohol in moderation and “avoid the urge to overdo it” as the long bank holiday weekend approaches.

The Portman Group is urging Brits to drink sensibly this bank holiday weekend

Friday 8 May is a national holiday in the UK, and also coincides with the 75th VE Day anniversary.

The weather is also set to improve this weekend, with temperatures in London forecast to reach 23°C on Friday, and rising to 24°C on Saturday.

However, with lockdown restrictions remaining in place throughout the UK, watchdog the Portman Group has urged UK drinkers to approach their alcohol consumption this weekend responsibly and in moderation.

John Timothy, Portman Group chief executive, said: “This is a special weekend for many people across the UK and it’s sad that our pubs – so often at the heart of special occasions in our communities – won’t be open for the VE Day 75 celebrations.

“Nevertheless, we’d urge people to ensure celebrations take place in the right way – respect the lockdown, drink sensibly and in moderation and avoid the urge to overdo it.”

The Portman Group said data showed that before lockdown, four in five drinkers stayed within the CMO’s (chief medical officer) 14-unit weekly guideline for men and women.

Since lockdown measures were introduced, Portman Group said studies show the vast majority of Britons continue to drink the same or less than before, with between 24% and 42% of respondents to various studies disclosing that they were drinking less.

Off-trade and retail sales of alcohol have risen since lockdown rules were put in place, but this has not matched the drop in pub sales, Portman Group said.

While the continuation or reduction in alcohol intake was welcome, the trade body warned: “Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous and should not be downplayed. People drinking at hazardous levels need professional support to overcome what are often multi-faceted challenges.

“Those people concerned about their drinking, or about the drinking of someone around them, should seek help from a health professional or visit drinkaware.co.uk and the NHS for free support and practical advice.”

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