The alcohol industry is pushing for Australian guidelines for alcohol consumption to be relaxed.

Alcohol Beverages Australia (ABA) says current guidelines are too “harsh” and don’t take into account the “positive health benefits” of drinking.

In a submission to the National Health and Medical Research review, the ABA says the guidelines are “some of the harshest in the world and no longer in touch with the Australian lifestyle – where drinking in moderation is the new norm”.

But health advocates have criticised the group, saying any changes would put Australians at risk.

The current guidelines recommend two standard drinks per day, or four standard drinks in a single session.

ABA Chief Executive Andrew Wilsmore tells Erin Molan and Natalie Peters Australians are actually drinking less than before, and believes two drinks a day is “too conservative”.