Drinkers should have two dry days a week

Drinkers are being urged to have at least two alcohol-free days a week as concerns over daily indulgence rise

A committee of MPs has called for a revision of drinking guidelines today after warnings from the Royal College of Physicians over excess consumption.

The RCP raised concerns over current drinking advice and urged for England to follow in Scotland’s footsteps by encouraging drinkers to have two alcohol-free days a week.

‘The RCP believes that in addition to quantity, safe alcohol limits must also take into account frequency,' says Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, special adviser on alcohol at the RCP.

'There is an increased risk of liver disease for those who drink daily or near-daily compared with those who drink periodically or intermittently.'

The Science and Technology Committee also believes that current advice on regular alcohol intake is confusing, and wrongly leads people to believe that a few pints of beer or glasses of wine every day will not harm health.

In response to raising concerns over reasonable alcohol consumption, the Department for Health says that good advice about alcohol is crucial.

‘The current guidelines were developed following a thorough review of the evidence andconsultation with experts,' says a spokesman.

'We will consider these recommendations and look at whether it is necessary to review our guidance.' The last review on drinking guidelines was in 1987.

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