Booze 'must carry warning'

PUTTING written health warnings on alcohol should be placed alongside minimum pricing in terms of importance, a nurses union has said.

The Edinburgh-based Royal College of Nursing in Scotland said a code forcing alcohol manufacturers to adopt the same tactics as cigarette packets was key to the nation's health.

Theressa Fyffe, director of RCN Scotland, said: "Nurses see the devastating consequences of alcohol misuse every day.

"It is vital that tougher action is taken to turn the tide on the rising numbers of people who are suffering, or even dying, as a result of excessive drinking.

"The drinks industry has failed to stick by its promise to take voluntary action."