MPs on the Science and Technology Committee concluded that greater efforts should also be focused on helping people understand the guidelines and how to use them.
It wants the Department of Health (DoH) to carry out the first review of drinking guidance for over 15 years. In 1987, when the alcohol guidance was published, it was set out as a maximum advised number of units per week, which was 21 for men and 14 for women.
The Committee found a lack of expert consensus over the health benefits of alcohol and revealed it is sceptical about using the "purported" health benefits of alcohol as a basis for daily guidelines for the adult population.
Andrew Miller MP, chair of the Committee, said: “Alcohol guidelines are a crucial tool for Government in its effort to combat excessive and problematic drinking. It is vital that they are up-to date and that people know how to use them.
“Unfortunately, public understanding of how to use the guidelines and what an alcohol unit looks like is poor, although improving.
“While we urge the UK Health Departments to re-evaluate the guidelines more thoroughly, the evidence we received suggests that the guidelines should not be increased and that people should be advised to take at least two drink-free days a week.”
Industry response to the report was swift.
Henry Ashworth chief executive of the Portman Group said: “We share the Committee’s view that efforts should focus on helping people understand existing drinking guidelines and how to use them.
"That’s why the industry has volunteered to feature Government health information on over 80% of alcoholic product labels by the end of December 2013. We firmly believe that education and information are essential to drive culture change and welcome the Committee’s recognition that the cooperation of the drinks industry is vital in achieving this.”
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “It’s right that the industry should help consumers to understand their units. British brewers already have a very good track record of making unit awareness available on bottles and cans - over 90 per cent of products already have this information, and by 2013, over 90 per cent will have lower-risk drinking guidelines and a pregnancy warning, too [this figure is already over 70 per cent].
“The BBPA and Drinkaware are also now rolling out a customer unit awareness campaign for pubs, launched in December, with posters and other materials now available.”WSTA comment on Science and Technology Select Committee Alcohol Guidelines Report
WSTA spokesman Gavin Partington said: "People want simple, consistent advice on how to drink responsibly. We welcome the recognition by the Committee of the important role the alcohol industry has to play in communicating sensible drinking messages."