Shocking new figures reveal the extent of Britain's alcohol problem

Jul 22 2008

According to government figures revealed in the UK, six per cent of all hospital admissions are related to illness or injuries caused by alcohol.

These figures equate to in excess of 800,000 people each year being admitted to hospital with illnesses and injuries incurred as a result of alcohol and are four times higher than the official figure.

The figures come from the latest National Health Service (NHS) admissions data and they show that the impact of alcohol on communities in Britain had previously been significantly underestimated.

These latest figures on alcohol abuse for the first time include drink-induced accidents, disease and violence and paint an ugly picture.

In the past government reviews only included the three most common types of alcohol-related diseases - alcoholic liver disease, alcohol poisoning and mental disorders.

Experts believe alcohol misuse and abuse costs the UK between £17.7bn and £25.1bn each year and there are increasing levels of alcohol abuse among young people.

According to government estimates young people are more likely to drink heavily - 42% of men and 36% of women aged 16-24 consume more than the daily recommendations.

In a new government alcohol strategy aimed at tackling the problem called 'Changing our Drinking Culture', a public consultation on drinking will look at the impact of "happy hours" in bars and clubs and consider the introduction of health warnings on bottles and cans and whether retailers and manufacturers are doing enough to promote sensible drinking.

The government is also considering whether pubs should be serving smaller drinks.

Britain's chief medical officer has called for a zero drink-driving limit on all drivers under 20 and the Home Secretary has pledged to stamp out binge drinking among teenagers through new tough community measures.

Many lay the blame on 24-hour drinking laws introduced in 2005 and a report by the Home Office has recommended a complete overhaul of laws governing the alcohol industry.

The report found evidence of 'irresponsible and harmful practices' including the sale of alcohol to people under 18, the sale of alcohol to 'blatantly intoxicated' people and the promotion of excessive drinking through cut-price offers.

The report was the result of observational studies conducted over a five-day period in eight locations across England where pubs, bars, clubs, off-licences and supermarkets were monitored.

Reviews from panels across the country could lead to changes in the both pricing promotion and drinking of alcohol, it's labelling and to the current industry's self-regulation practices.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) says it welcomes the government reviews, but said new legislation should cover all alcohol retailers and include supermarkets and corner shops too.