Tough new guidance for alcohol consumption revealed today (8 January) by the Department of Health warns that drinking any level of alcohol poses a substantial risk to health by increasing the risk of a range of cancers.

One of the biggest changes is the recommended drinking limits for men, bringing them in line with those for women. It is now recommended that no one should regularly drink more than 14 units per week to keep health risks from drinking alcohol to a low level.

The move to a weekly limit is aimed at getting away from the idea that drinking every day is fine, however it is stressed that units shouldn’t be saved up for just one or two days and heavy drinking sessions should be avoided. Instead, if someone chooses to drink, they should spread the 14 units evenly over three days or more and have several drink-free days each week.

Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer for England, said: “What we are aiming to do with these guidelines is give the public the latest and most up-to-date scientific information so that they can make informed decisions about their own drinking and the level of risk they are prepared to take.”