Blog #5- The Dangers of Alcohol

Kerris McKoy
February 22, 2011
10:07PM

Liver disease specialists are warning those in England and Wales about the high consumption of alcohol occurring in these countries. The issues of high alcohol consumption can be dated back during the 1960s in France. During this era there were high cases of liver disease death due to high consumption of cheap alcohol. Because of this drinking levels in France were reduced by imposing strict marketing restrictions. Doctors predict that United Kingdom could reduce the current level of deaths from liver disease by 11 per 100,000. If nothing is done, deaths from all alcohol-related causes could claim the lives of 250,000 people in England and Wales over the coming two decades. Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, who campaigns for action on alcohol misuse, agreed to the government coalition’s to keep rises of alcohol at 2% above inflation. The banning of alcohol however will not be a solution of complete prohibition. Banning the sale of alcohol below cost price, and increasing duty on beer stronger than 7.5% proof are “inconsequential” because a small percentages of sales make up for that category. Sir Ian also expressed that there was a “very close link” between falling prices in real terms and the amount Britons drink over the past 20 years. Professor Ian also expresses how alcohol is indeed a drug, which is legal and fewer people are drinking more. David Poley, who is the chief executive of the Portman Group, stated that alcohol deaths have decreased in the United Kingdom and are hoping for a continuation. The Department of Health funds many campaigns and educational programs to inform citizens of the dangers of alcohol. The government has taken a new bold approach to address the issue, by working to induce a tougher licensing regime.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12506127