In response to the Royal College of Psychiatrists report into COVID-19 alcohol behaviours, John Timothy, CEO of the Portman Group, the social responsibility and regulatory body for alcohol in the UK, commented:
“Figures from Public Health England show alcohol intake rose for a minority during the lockdown but, crucially it has since fallen back. This is echoed by our own studies.
“Of course, not all increases are a cause for a concern – many people still drink within Government low risk guidelines. Nevertheless it is important not to disregard the small minority who may now be drinking to harmful levels. We support targeted measures aimed at giving these people the help they need.”