Town centre shop owners voluntarily taking part agree not to sell beer, lager and cider above 6.5% abv and in return receive a ‘Reduce the Strength’ window sticker and certificate to show their support for the initiative. Exceptions are made for premium products such as craft beers and lagers which have become more popular in recent years.
Dr Anurag Agrawal, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Doncaster Royal Infirmary explains the health risks; “Between 2001 and 2012 the number of people who died with an underlying cause of liver disease in England rose by 40% and is in contrast to other major causes of disease which have been declining. Liver disease is largely preventable and in most cases is due to three main risk factors; alcohol, obesity and viral hepatitis.”
Councillor Nigel Ball, Doncaster Cabinet Member for Public Health says; “By introducing this scheme the council aims to address not just the health impact and pressures on local health services that alcohol abuse can bring, but also to reduce street drinking in Doncaster.”
“Before launching ‘Reduce the Strength’, we consulted with local shop keepers and were pleased with the levels of support shown for the scheme. I can only see support for this growing further over time.”
‘Reduce the Strength’ has been developed by the Doncaster Council public health team with the support of the licensing department and South Yorkshire Police. To date 32 off-licences and local shops have joined the Doncaster Reduce the Strength scheme.
Local shop keeper, Raivis Smats said “I can really see the benefits that this scheme will bring to Doncaster.” I used to sell stronger strength alcohol in my shop but having heard more about the health effects I want to do my bit to help keep the local community safe.”