- Booze binges cost Wales £1bn a year, according to a report by health chiefs. The study by the Directors of Public Protection Wales, a body made up of public health chiefs on Wales’ 22 regional councils, says the harmful effects of over-drinking show no sign of abating as Wales has the highest rate of underage drinking among 11-15-year-olds in the EU.
It also blames drink for 1,000 premature deaths each year. The £1bn total is made up of:
- Lost hours in the workplace, £320m
- Drink related crime and disorder, £365m
- Healthcare costs, £85m
- Social costs of 1,100 premature deaths a year and dealing with family break-ups, £230m.
The report estimates the cost of a person being punched by a drunk and needing hospital treatment is £20,950.
The Directors of Public Protection Wales are now calling on licensees, the police, health authorities and local councils to work together change people's drinking behaviour. It wants more alcohol prohibition zones to stop people drinking in the street. The report also points out that the drinks industry supports 50,000 jobs in Wales and leads to £350m a year going to the Exchequer in excise duty. Morning Advertiser
Download Addressing Alcohol Misuse Issues by the Directors of Public Protection Wales (2006)
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