The Nature of Alcohol and how it affects the body

Alcohol is classed as a drug because, when consumed, it alters the physical, mental and emotional state of the drinker.

Where the alcohol by volume is over 0.5 per cent, the drink is classed as alcohol for the purpose of licensing law.

Strength of alcoholic drink

The strength of an intoxicating drink depends on how much alcohol it contains. The amount of alcohol contained is expressed as percentage alcohol by volume. The formula for expressing alcohol by volume on labels is: alc.  vol. or % vol. So a fortified wine, such as sherry or vermouth, labeled as alc. 18% vol. means that 18 per cent of any given quantity is pure alcohol. Most spirits are around 40 per cent alcohol by volume whereas, wines vary from 8 per cent to 16 per cent alcohol by volume. Beers range from 3 per cent to 9 per cent alcohol by volume and ciders range from 3 per cent to 8.5 per cent alcohol by volume.

Alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks

To be classified as alcohol-free, a drink must contain no more than 0.05 per cent alcohol by volume. To be classified as low alcohol, no more than 1.2 per cent alcohol by volume. Both must be labelled accordingly.

Recommended safe limits of alcohol

Moderate drinking can be beneficial to health; excessive drinking can be detrimental to health. Recommended safe limits of alcohol, as recommended by the government and other organizations such as the Portman Group are as follows:

• Men should drink no more than three to four units a day and no more than 21 units per week.
• Women should drink no more than two to three units a day and no more than 14 units per week.

What is a sensible alcohol drinking limit?

Keep to the recommended sensible limits if you want to avoid damaging your health. As noted above, the recommended sensible limit is up to 21 units for men and up to 14 units a week for women, with one or two drink-free days. Remember, there are times when even one or two drinks can be too much - for example, if you are going to drive or operate machinery. It can be dangerous to drink alcohol if you are taking certain types of medicine.