The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released data showing alcohol-related deaths have fallen since 2008, but remain significantly higher than the the early 1990s. Results from the General LiFestyle Survey (GLF), formerly the General Household Survey (GHS), were also released highlighting drinking and smoking differences between between socio-economic groups.
Don Shenker, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern stated: "The slight fall in 2009 in alcohol-related deaths mirrors a slight drop in alcohol consumption, and while this is positive, it is wholly due to a drop in consumer spending as a result of the recession." Figures from the BBPA have shown a downward trend in consumption since 2004. Shenker warned "It is very likely that alcohol consumption will rise again once the economy picks up" and called for government alcohol policy to go further in addressing affordability.
The ONS statistical bulletin highlights:
- In 2009 there were 8,664 alcohol-related deaths in the UK, 367 fewer than the number recorded in 2008 (9,031)
- Males accounted for approximately two-thirds of the total number of alcohol-related deaths in 2009.
- Across the 2000–09 period, rates were highest amongst those aged 55–74
An ONS release on the GLS survey highlighted:
- In contrast to smoking, managers and professionals have a higher weekly alcohol intake than routine and manual workers. Average weekly consumption was 13.5 units for adults in households managerial and professional household and 10.7 units for adults in routine and manual households.
- In managerial and professional households, 23 per cent of men and 15 per cent of women drank heavily (more than 8 units for men, more than 6 units for women) on at least one day in the previous week, compared to 19 per cent of men and 11 per cent of women in routine and manual households
See media reports from the The Independent, The Guardian , the BBC, and the Daily Mail.
See here for further alcohol related information and reports, the NHS Statistics on Alcohol 2010 report and factsheets from the Institute of Alcohol Studies.
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