UK deaths from drink up by 18%

2005-08-16 13:59

London - Alcohol-related deaths have increased by 18% in Britain since 2000, according to newly released figures that are fueling criticism of the government's plans to allow pubs to extend drinking hours.

A new licensing law takes effect on November 24 that will do away with the World War 1-era rules that required British pubs to shut by 23:00 on Monday through to Saturday and by 22:30 on Sundays.

Supporters of the plan say it will bring an end to binge drinking in the last minutes before closing time, cut down on late-night violence and give the pubs' neighbours a stronger voice in deciding which businesses stay open late.

Growing concerns

But concerns have been growing, with judges and police warning that binge drinking and the accompanying alcohol-fueled violence are out of control and extending the hours will only add to the problem. The latest statistics about alcohol-related deaths, released on Monday, have added to their fears.

Alcohol was listed as the primary cause of 6 544 deaths in England and Wales last year, compared with 5 525 in 2000, according to the Office for National Statistics. Those deaths were blamed on alcohol-caused liver disease and alcohol poisoning.

But officials warned that the numbers of Britons dying from alcohol-related health problems such as heart disease or cancer was likely to be much higher.

"The increase in drink-related deaths suggests the culture of binge drinking is perhaps out of control and needs to be addressed before the government pushes ahead," said Owen Williams, spokesperson for the opposition Liberal Democrats party, which received the latest government statistics after submitting a parliamentary request.

Law will go ahead

The Conservative Party's health spokesperson, Andrew Lansley, said in a statement the jump in alcohol-related deaths suggested a new approach was needed and not a "quick fix solution to the problem".

A spokesperson for the department of culture, media and sport, which is overseeing the changes in pub hours, said the law will go ahead as planned despite the criticism.

"The new licensing laws are part of the strategy to tackle binge drinking when it comes into force on November 24," the spokesperson said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "This is part of the solution not part of the problem." Government spokespeople are not allowed to be quoted by name.

Excessive drinking has been blamed for setting Britain back £s;20bn a year in added policing and health costs.

- AP