Key points from article :
In the past four years, England has seen a significant increase in alcohol-related deaths, with more than 8,200 people dying in 2023 alone, a 42% rise compared to 2019. The North East region has the highest rates of these deaths. Public-health experts, including the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, are calling for urgent measures, such as the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol, similar to Scotland’s policy, to reduce consumption. The alliance argues that alcohol consumption not only harms individuals but also puts pressure on the economy and healthcare system.
The government has acknowledged the unacceptable rise in alcohol-related deaths and emphasised that public health will be a priority in its 10-year NHS plan. While alcohol deaths sharply increased during the pandemic, they have continued to rise more slowly in recent years. The Alcohol Health Alliance warns that if left unchecked, alcohol-related deaths will continue to increase, worsening societal and healthcare burdens.
In Scotland, where alcohol-specific death rates have traditionally been higher, a minimum unit pricing policy introduced in 2018 has shown positive effects in reducing alcohol-related harm. Despite some criticism of the policy, including concerns about its fairness to responsible drinkers, it has been credited with stabilising alcohol-related deaths. The Department of Health and Social Care has vowed to prioritise prevention and shift the NHS focus from sickness to promoting healthier, longer lives.
