There has been a “catastrophic increase” in alcohol-only deaths in England over the past four years, prompting public health experts to call for urgent action.
More than 8,200 people died due to alcohol in 2023 – a 42% increase on 2019 – with the rate highest in the North East.
The Alcohol Health Alliance UK says that alcohol consumption could be reduced if a minimum price per unit was introduced, as in Scotland.
The government says it is unacceptable that alcohol-related deaths are at record highs and will make public health a priority in its 10-year plan for the NHS in England.
During the pandemic, alcohol-related deaths rose sharply across the UK.
since then, The deaths continue. in England – albeit more slowly than in previous years.
The Alcohol Health Alliance, which represents 60 organizations working to reduce the harm it causes, says it is “a worrying trend” in society that is “taking a toll on our economy and health services. gives rise to “pressure”.
It says that heavy drinking shortens lives, breaks up families and causes children to experience grief and trauma.
The coalition predicted further increases in alcohol-related deaths “and a huge burden on our healthcare system and society”.
Its chairman, Professor Sir Ian Gilmour, said: “Without bold, decisive action, these preventable deaths will continue to rise. Tackling alcohol-related harm in 2025 is a top public health priority. There must be, and that requires a government-wide effort to address this public health crisis.”
In Scotland, where alcohol-related deaths have always been high, In 2023, there were 1,277 alcohol-related deaths – Same as last year.
The Alliance says minimum unit pricing for alcohol in Scotland has “been effective in reducing alcohol-related harm”.
This policy was introduced in Scotland in 2018. The minimum price of a unit of alcohol there has risen from 50p to 65p in recent months.. This means that no alcoholic beverage can be sold below this price.
Critics of minimum prices argue that serious drinkers will continue to buy alcohol and cut back on other things. They say it’s unfair to those who drink responsibly, especially those on low incomes.
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said it had been unwilling to provide guidance on issues such as alcohol harm, smoking and obesity “for a long time”.
“It is unacceptable that alcohol-related deaths are now at record highs.
“Our 10-year health plan will refocus the NHS on disease prevention. This means prioritizing public health initiatives to help people live longer and healthier lives.”