Issue - meetings

Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2015.

Craig McNally, Senior Health Improvement Specialist (Drugs & Alcohol), NHS, gave a presentation on the Department of Public Health Annual Report – Alcohol.

The presentation covered:

·         Taking a balanced approach;

·         Good and bad news (epidemiology);

·         Recommendations;

·         Challenging culture in the family; and

·         Some local initiatives.

He provided some local and European wide statistical information in relation to excess alcohol consumption and related health problems.

It was pointed out that due to the recommended amount of alcoholic units for consumption per week having been reduced in 2016 the figures shown in the report relating to the effects of alcohol for men were likely to increase.

In conclusion he stated that a partnership approach to dealing with alcohol related health issues was required.

Members then went on to discuss possible initiatives which would help to highlight the health risks relating to alcohol consumption, and recognised that there would also have to be a cultural change in drinking habits.

The Local Licensing Forum (LLF) thanked Craig McNally for his presentation.

Decision

Members agreed to request that NHS Highland include Argyll and Bute Council Local Licensing Forum as members of any working group set up and tasked to take the recommendations in the report forward.