Government new drink limits says moderate drinking is fine; but reduces weekly recommended limit for men

In a move being seen as a watering down of the Government's drink warnings, the public is advised that moderate drinking is fine. Although the new recommendations are tougher than the existing ones and remain unchanged from the draft published in January. They reduce the recommended weekly alcohol limit for men from 21 units to 14 units, the same as for women.

The new weekly limit for men breaks with established international precedent by recommending the same amount for both sexes.

Earlier this year the Chief Medical Officer had warned about the dangers of drinking any alcohol. The Government said the recommendations are based on good science and in line with the recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer earlier this year.