Alcohol Concern are calling for a spirit duty rise of 4% above inflation as children accessing alcohol treatment are consuming more spirits than any other type of alcohol, according to a new report [pdf].
Backed by Balance, the North East alcohol office, Alcohol Concern carried out a survey within eleven treatment services across England and Wales. It asked 223 children and young people between the ages of 12 and 20 years (85% of who were under 18) which type of alcohol and which brands they consumed most. Children and young people accessing treatment reported mainly drinking spirits, particularly vodka, along with beer and strong ciders.
Opponents of tighter alcohol controls and pricing measures may argue that recent falls in alcohol consumption are most prominent amongst younger age groups. However Alcohol Concern say the frequency of spirit consumption in young people has almost doubled amongst 11-15 year olds that drink since 1990. It also highlight that between 2011/12 and 2013/14 there were 13,725 alcohol-specific hospital admissions for under 18s, in addition to the number of children requiring support from alcohol services.
Alcohol Concern acknowledge the recent falls in young people's alcohol consumption, but say this has been 'driven to a large extent by the rise of the non-drinker' and 'masks the scale of alcohol problems experienced by young people in many parts of the country.' They also highlight that surveys of school children in England suggest ten per cent of 11-15 year olds drinks once per week or more.
Tom Smith, Head of Policy at Alcohol Concern, said:
“Heavily advertised brands and cheap, strong booze are the drinks of choice for vulnerable children. I think we all would agree that the strongest and most dangerous products to children should be priced out of reach. Alcohol taxes for spirits are historically low, yet consumption rates for spirits are high, especially amongst younger groups who are often drinking with the purpose of getting drunk.”
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