National Alcohol Awareness Week gets underway in Scotland

National Alcohol Awareness Week has been launched in Scotland with the focus this year on encouraging everyone to take responsibility for their own alcohol consumption.

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) has joined forces with the Scottish government and the Alcohol Industry Partnership to deliver a week which aims to educate Scots about the safer ways to enjoy alcohol.

The week will run until October 11 and is themed "you can make a positive choice when it comes to drinking alcohol."

Throughout the week the bodies involved will deliver tips about drinking safely. These will include taking at least two alcohol free days a week, opting for smaller glass sizes and lower alcohol beer, and eating before you drink.

Other groups supporting the initiative are NHS Scotland, Alcohol Focus Scotland and the Dinkaware Trust.

WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: "The WSTA is pleased to once again support National Alcohol Awareness week in Scotland. All of us must take responsibility for the role that alcohol plays in our lives and by promoting responsible drinking among our friends, families and in our communities.

"The drinks industry will continue to do our part to promote moderation and responsibility as effective tools to reduce alcohol misuse. Across the industry we hope to make this week a strong success by helping to educate consumers to make healthy choices. We hope that Scots across the country will take the challenge."

Visit www.alcoholawarenessweek.com for more details about how you can get involved.