UK Research Finds Cheap Liquor Main Cause of Growing Death Count

A number of different sources are crying out on the dangers of cheap alcohol. Now, an article from the Sky has declared more than 90,000 people will die in the next ten years unless cheap alcohol is banned.

This warning was actually declared by the UK charity, Alcohol Concern and is based on the organization’s latest research into drink-related deaths in Britain. According to research findings, such deaths have tripled over the last 25 years from 3, 054 in 1984 to 8,999 in 2008.

The organization believes that banning cheap liquor would reverse this trend, arguing that raising prices would deter increased purchases. Alcohol Concern argues that such a change in pricing would substantially reduce hospital admissions, crime and absence from work.

The research, conducted by the University of West England and used by Alcohol Concern, estimates that there will be 90,800 deaths linked to alcohol intake by 2019 if the current consumption rates continue.

The lead author, Professor Martin Plant, said: “The UK has been experiencing an epidemic of alcohol-related health and social problems that is remarkable by international standards.”

Councils in Greater Manchester have already been leading the drive to try and reduce binge drinking in the area. Members are actively considering a minimum price for booze sold in its pubs, clubs and supermarkets. The steepest rise in alcohol-related deaths has been found among the 55 to 74-year olds.

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for policy makers – no matter where they are located – is changing regulations to support higher prices for liquor. A number of different establishments would be hurt financially by this change, making it even more difficult to pass through and enforce.

Tags: addiction research