The study, which involved almost 2m people, found that lifelong non-drinkers have a 24% higher mortality rate than moderate drinkers and the death rate among former drinkers is even higher.
CAMRA national chairman Colin Valentine outlined the organisation's response to the study.
Good for the heart
He said: “The study published in the BMJ, which shows that moderate alcohol consumption, such as a pint of real ale in the pub, is good for the heart is just the latest piece of research that demonstrates the benefits associated with moderate drinking.
“While no one would disagree that excessive consumption of alcohol causes harm, there is a long list of scientific evidence that shows moderate alcohol consumption can have a positive impact on people’s personal and physical wellbeing.
“It is heartening to see this story covered by the media among the current atmosphere of increasing alcohol ‘scare stories’ and misreporting of alcohol research.”
Open, balanced and honest
He encouraged both sides of the alcohol consumption debate to engage in an open, balanced and honest conversation.
Valentine added: “We hope this study will go some way towards helping people make informed choices about how they consume alcohol in the future.”
Earlier this year (January) data from three studies, including a national survey from CAMRA, researchers revealed that people who visit their pub frequently tended to be more “socially engaged and contented” with their local community as opposed to those who didn’t.